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A long, thin rectangle shaped relief sculpture made of red sandstone. The top, middle, and bottom feature scenes of groups of three people. There are smaller sections in between that show small elephants, monkeys, and other animals.

The sandstone relief sculpture is a long, slender rectangular shape. It is a medium-tone earthy red in color. There are large sections at the top, middle, and bottom of the sculpture that show scenes of groups of three people and small sections in between. The top section shows a man on the left and two women on the right, they are standing and facing each other. They are all wearing swirled hats or their hair is pulled up. Below them is a small section of three elephants facing the right. The middle section shows three standing women who are dressed in necklaces and ribbons. Below them is a small section with four sitting monkeys. The bottom section shows a man on the left holding a staff and facing the two women on the left. The one in the middle is kneeled down and hands together in prayer. The other holds a small object in front of her chest, facing the man. At the very bottom is another small section that shows an animal-like face at the center and two dogs facing outward.

Gallery Text

The figures on these panels appear to represent divine couples (mithuna), celestial females (apsarases), and women making offerings to a male ascetic figure or demigod. These divine beings are considered auspicious, and their presence on the exterior walls of temples is said to secure blessings and protection for the sacred space inside.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
1961.134
Title
Architectural Relief with Figures and Animals
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
sculpture, relief
Date
Medieval period, 10th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Rajasthan
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/202909

Location

Location
Level 2, Room 2590, South Asian Art, South Asia in the Medieval and Early Modern Eras
View this object's location on our interactive map

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Red sandstone
Dimensions
sight: H. 102 x W. 21.6 cm (40 3/16 x 8 1/2 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Schimmel, Great Neck, NY, (by 1961), gift; to Fogg Art Museum, 1961.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Schimmel
Accession Year
1961
Object Number
1961.134
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Commentary
Label text from exhibition “Re-View,” an overview of objects drawn from the collections of Harvard Art Museums, 26 April 2008 – 1 July 2013; label text written by Mary McWilliams, Norma Jean Calderwood Curator of Islamic and Later Indian Art, Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art:

Architectural Relief with Figures and Animals
India, Uttar Pradesh or Rajasthan, 10th century
Red sandstone
Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Schimmel, 1961.134

Publication History

  • David Nicolle, Medieval Warfare Sourcebook, Volume 2: Christian Europe and its Neighbors, Sterling Publishing Company (New York, NY, 1996), pg. 190, b/w

Exhibition History

  • S424: Indian and Southeast Asian Sculpture, Harvard University Art Museums, Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 10/20/1985 - 08/01/2008
  • Re-View: Arts of India & the Islamic Lands, Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 04/26/2008 - 06/01/2013
  • 32Q: 2590 South and Southeast Asia, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 11/16/2014 - 01/01/2050

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu