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Karnataka
Wood
A charming folk wooden carved head of a male attendant/guardian figure. Such figures were placed in folk temples in Karnataka and usually painted and clothed. Attendant figures called Dvarapalas or ‘door guardians’ are placed at the entrance of temples, shrines or sacred precincts. Two or four-handed, they carry in their hands the emblem of the deity enshrined in the sanctuary. Their countenance may be fierce or gentle. Temples dedicated to goddesses have female guardians – the Dwarapalikas.
Size (cms): 27(H) x 13(W) x 14(D)
Size (inches): 10.5(H) x 5(W) x 5.5(D)
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Udaipur (Rajasthan)
Opaque watercolour and gold on paper
A striking painting depicting the four headed krishnamurti at the centre of the composition. A temple priest dressed in customary robes and headgear standing to the left performs puja holding an arti lamp and a temple bell. The interior has three marble niches each with a four-armed standing goddess holding lotuses. A three tiered golden lamp suspended overhead and a silver container in the foreground.
Eklingji is a temple complex in the Udaipur District of Rajasthan in western India. Originally built in the 8th century by the ruler Bappa Rawal. It is situated in Kailashpuri village near the former capital of Mewar. Eklingji is believed to be the ruling god of Mewar Princely State and the Maharana rules as his Dewan. Constructions undertaken by the State Engineer Mr Williams during the reign of Maharana Sajjan Singh ( 1874-84) included a new road to Eklingji, allowing the Maharana to travel there by carriage for the first time.
Painting Size (cms): 55(H) x 42.5(W)
Painting Size (inches): 21.5(H) x 16.5(W)
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Tamil Nadu (South India)
silver repoussé on velvet
Ganesha, four armed, is seated cross legged on a lotus throne. He carries a mace, a noose, a ball of modak and his broken tusks in his four hands. Directly above is the figure of a single winged angel with stylised wings. He is flanked by the figures of Lakshmi and Saraswati, each seated on their lotus thrones. The deities appear to float on the waves of the cosmic ocean.
Framed Size (cms): 42 (H) x 54 (W)
Framed Size (inches): 16.5 (H) x 21 (W)
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Orissa
Wood, extensively polychromed
An attractive dancing mask depicting the rakshasa Vibhishana. Painted in a brilliant blue, Vibhishana wears an elaborate turbaned crown decorated with geometric and floral patterns motifs and two large hooped earrings which dangle from his ears. Distinctive features include a prominent Shaivite tilaka, large piercing eyes and a joyous smile. The vibrant red twirling moustache and matching beard stands out on his blue skinned face. Ovular slits have been cut out beneath the eyes of Vibhishana to help the dancer navigate while wearing the mask.
Vibhishana, Ravana’s younger brother, was a rare good-hearted Rakshasa; he was beautiful, pious and assiduous in his religious observances. When Brahma granted him a boon, he asked never to swerve from the path of righteousness and to be illumined by divine knowledge. Vibhishana joined Rama in his campaign against Ravana, and helped Rama’s army to cross the ocean into Lanka. When invisible Rakshasas infiltrated Rama’s camp, Vibhishana caused them to become visible, and Rama’s monkey soldiers destroyed them. After Rama’s final victory over Ravana, the loyal Vibhishana was made king of Lanka.
Shahi Jatras (royal processions) of Orissa present different episodes from the Ramayana during the spring season, usually lasting for for one week. Actors, carrying huge wooden masks and gorgeous costumes, walk on the streets with stylized gait and mime with the accompaniment of loud drumming. The Desia Nata of Koraput, Orissa, also uses masks for representing gods, goddesses, animals, birds and demons. These themes are also taken from Ramayana.
Size(cms): 43(H) x 34(W) x 19(D), 51(H with stand)
Size(inches): 17(H) x 13.5(W) x 7.5(D), 20(H with stand)
