Central India, Ganges Valley, Chandella Dynasty, 10th-12th c - Lot 353

Central India, Ganges Valley, Chandella Dynasty, 10th-12th century Important stele depicting the divine couple Shiva and Parvati tenderly embracing, standing in tribhanga, the God of love holding his consort by the waist, Shakti wrapping her arm around his neck. They are adorned with jewels and haloed by radiant circular nimbus. Shiva wears a high bun, Parvati a low chin-up. In his hands, the God holds the Mala rosary, the Damaru tambourine and the Trisula trident. On three side registers: divinities and Apsaras. At base: three-legged Hanuman and Virabhadra, and above, heavily-anchored Apsaras holding Kapalas. In the upper register, a scene depicting Uma-Maheswara, another form of Shiva and Parvati, surrounded by two attendants holding fly swatters. Belgian sandstone, on metal base 41 x 70 cm Minor chips and chips, restorations. Good condition. Provenance: November 29, 2009 sale "Mobilier Chine et Japon - Arts primitif Asie", lot 208, Chevau-Légers Enchères; then by descent.