India, 15th century, Fragment of an arch representing mother goddesses Saptamatrika, Grey stone

Fragment of an arch representing three of the Satpamatrikas

India
15th century

°°° Price can be reasonably negotiated °°°

Fragment of an arch (torana) featuring three of the seven Saptamatrika (mother goddesses). At the center of the composition is Vaishnavi, wearing four arms and holding various attributes (vase, disk, sword, conch). She is depicted seated under a tree, in a temple-shaped niche, with the amalaka (ribbed disk) at the top and the kalasam (bulbous finial). She is seated on a semicircular base, with her legs in the lalitasana position (attitude of relaxation) and dressed in a simple dhoti. Her bosom is opulent, barred with the Brahman cord, a heavy necklace adorns her upper chest, her head is topped with a high tiara (kirita mukuta), and her ears are adorned with heavy pendants. On either side of the divinity are two columns, in the middle of which stand two bare-chested apsaras, also dressed in a simple dothi and adorned with bracelets on the arms and wrists. In the upper part of the arc, two other Saptamatrika are depicted seated on a large lotus flower, also in the lalitasana position, both with four arms, although their attributes vary. The first, Mahesvari, has a mace and tambourine, while her colleague Indrani, in the upper register, has one of her hands in the position of absence of fear (abhaya mudra).

The Saptamatrika are a group of seven mother goddesses, each of whom is the shakti, or female counterpart, of a god. The seven goddesses are always depicted together. The order of the seven mother goddesses generally begins with Brahmi, symbolizing the very essence of creation. Vaishnavi, like Vishnu, provides the created world with symmetry, beauty and order. The most important significance of Saptamatrika symbolism is the implication of universal cyclical time and its cessation. In classical statuary, Vaishnavi occupies the central position, flanked by three goddesses on either side.

Gray stone
Visible damage
25 x 27 cm excluding base
Private collection

Ref: G3NW7JOJFU