A stone figure of Hariti

SWAT VALLEY OR KASHMIR, CIRCA 6TH CENTURY

Details

A stone figure of Hariti
Swat Valley or Kashmir, circa 6th century
Finely carved with the female seated on a throne, clad in a long pleated dhoti and further adorned with beaded jewelry and earrings, her face in serene expression with large almond-shaped eyes and arched brows, her hair in corkscrew curls pulled into a high chignon secured with a foliate tiara, accompanied to her left by another female figure with a torch raised above her head, and seated atop a lion mount
7½ in. (19 cm.) high

Provenance

Private Japanese Collection, acquired in the 1990s

Lot Essay

The goddess Hariti derives her identity from a story of conversion. In a former lifetime Hariti took a vow to devour the children of Rajagriha. Upon hearing of her activities, the Buddha concealed Hariti's own dearest child, lured her to him, and convinced her to amend her destructive behavior. To ensure fertility and sustenance, an image of Hariti with a child in her arms is often found in Buddhist monasteries. For a further discussion, see H. Ingholt, Gandharan Art in Pakistan, 1957, p. 145-147, pl. 340-341.

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