G747.5 A SANDSTONE CHANWARDHARINI (FEMALE FLY-WHISK BEARER)

CENTRAL INDIA, MADHYA PRADESH

POSSIBLY FROM GWALIOR

PRATIHARA PERIOD

CIRCA 10^TH CENTURY

H. 52 CMS, 20 ½ INS

W. 43 CMS, 17 INS

A large and sensuous light beige sandstone relief figure of a Chanwardharini (female fly-whisk bearer), standing between two ornate pillars and wielding a chowri (ritual fly whisk), adorned with extensive jewellery and flanked by attendants and a leogryph (Yali).

A chowri or fly whisk is an ancient symbol of divine sovereignty.

Reference: For a similar sculpture of a female fly-whisk bearer from Haryana, please see the following link:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/hindu-temples-and-iconography-of-the-pratiharas–219128338106253478/

Provenance: Private English collection.

Old Sotheby’s label on the front of the base.