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Patan (Gujarat)
Wood
An attractive wooden winged apsara bracket. The crowned figure has patterned wings and holds a long garland which is looped around her leg.
The ancestral occupation of the Hindu Suthar community, the craft of wood carving was practiced in several districts of Gujarat including Patan, Kadi, Ahmedabad and Nadiad, although the legacy of exquisite wood carving seen in the traditional havelis, mansions, is evident in all the districts of Gujarat. Patan district is renowned for the intricately carved Bohra haveli or mansions at Siddhpur; these structures are characterised by their eclectic use of geometric or floral patterns as well as motifs inspired by European and West Asian decorative elements on the woodwork of the balconies and ceilings.The wooden architecture of Ahmedabad on the other hand, acquires its distinctive aesthetic through the use of patterns borrowed from block printing and textiles.
Size (cms): 77(H) x 55(W) x 18(D)
Size (inches): 30.5(H) x 21.5(W) x 7(D)
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Northern Karnataka (South India)
brass
A monstrous animal like head depicting the demonic form of Bhairava, one of the avatars of Shiva. The moustachioed visage has a vicious face with bulging eyes and cheeks and with a huge gaping mouth with large teeth and fangs. The head has a rounded tubular extension at its base, which would fit over a pole and could be carried above the heads of the populace during festivals and processions.
Protective deities such as viras (deified heroes), kshetrapalas (guardians), bhutas (spirits of various deities), including some daivas (devils) were expected to provide protection against invaders, thieves, the elements- fire , storms, floods, drought, disease etc. Since the earth was populated by gods and their counterparts in the nether world, demons, evil spirits and ghosts, prayers, offerings and sacrifices were made to both groups to propitiate them.
Size (cms): 28(H) x 22(W) x 23.5(D)
Size (inches): 11(H) x 8.5(W) x 9.5(D)
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Maharashtra
silver
A finely cast and decorated standing figure of Vishnu. Four-armed, the figure carries a gada (mace), chakra (disc) conch and lotus. He wears multiple ear and neck ornaments and a tall crown surmounted by a Kirtimukha which forms a ritual arch around the figure. Vishnu means ‘All Pervader’, or taking many forms’ is one of the most important Hindu deities along with Shiva and Brahma. He is the sustainer of the universe and sometimes descends to earth assuming various forms (avatars) to redress the balance between good and evil, and hence is known as the Preserver.
Size (cms): 13.5(H) x 8.5(W) x 5(D)
Size (inches): 5.5(H) x 3.5(W) x 2(D)
