VISHNU STELE. STONE.
Bengalen; East India. Pala. 11th/12th c.

Dark gray phyllite. The stele is open at the back; so that the main figure is shown three dimensional. Vishnu; in royal ornate with jewels; crown and his other attributes like club (gada); conch shell (sangka); discus (cakra) and lotus (padma). He is carrying the prayer rope (upavita) and long garland (vanamal). He is surrounded by other figures only reaching to his hips; like Sarasvata (with the vina-instrument) and Laxmi (with fly-wisk and lotus flower) both standing on a lotus base. The two smaller male figures symbolize Leophrys on elephants; above each the head of the dragon like guard goddess Vyali. On these heads are geese and above Vidyadharas; flying heavenly beings. In the center the Kirtimukha face. Height 73;7cm. Condition A.

Vishnu was the most worshiped god of the late Pala-period; so representations of this god are plentiful; however they vary tremendously in quality; size and condition. Our example is of medium size; excellent execution in details and condition; even the fragile noses are still in perfect condition. So this model is very rare.

Art trade; Van Ham.