Karnataka

Brass alloy with pigments

An exceptional, large Kirtimukha ‘ face of glory,’ plaque with bulbous eyes, small pointed ears and flaring nostrils. The Kirtimukha’s open mouth with large exposed fangs and exposed tongue gives it a mischievous appearance. Two floral sprigs emerge from either side of the kirtimukha’s face.

Kirtimukha is the name given to the grimacing face of a lion or Yali face depicted above the doorways of sacred precincts and on the aureole (prabhamandala) behind divine images. Its redoubtable aspect is supposed to avert malignant influences and to protect the devotees. This motif is also used in jewellery, eg on girdle clasps.

Size (cms): 46(H) x 55(W) x 7.5(D)
Size (inches): 18(H) x 21.5(W) x 3(D)