Indian Red Sandstone Figure of a Salabhanjika

SKU: MS.0083

Origin: India; Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh
Circa: 10th - 11th century AD
Dimensions: 26.5" Height (67.3 cms)
Medium: Red Sandstone

Standing in graceful tribhanga clutching the branches of the tree above with both hands, clad in a sheer dhoti and adorned with beaded jewelry and festoons, the face with full lips and downcast eyes, surmounted by the flower of a pendant lotus and surrounded by diminutive attendants.

Private North American Collection. Christie's. Indian and Southeast Asian Art, September 18, 2013. Private Los Angeles, California, Collection

As in the story of Mayadevi giving birth to Buddha while grasping the branches of the sal tree, salabhanjika means "breaking the branches of the sal tree." Over time, this literal translation combined with the belief that spirits of fecundity live in trees produced the image of a beautiful woman grasping the branches and causing them to burst forth in fruit and bloom.

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Indian

Indian Red Sandstone Figure of a Salabhanjika

Indian

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