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Lot Essay
Carved in deep relief and with exceptional openwork, this column is a classic example of the ornate medieval sculpture of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The efflorescent marble, a material appreciated across cultures for its translucence and ability to be carved in detail, was commonly used in Rajasthan and Gujarat, especially for Jain sculpture. Compare the use of honorific motifs, such as the heavenly elephants, flywhisk bearers and other mythical creatures, as well as the stylised swirls of the architecture to that of the Jain arch at the Yale University Art Gallery (see P. Granoff, Victorious Ones: Jain Images of Perfection, Ahmedabad, 2009, pp.180-181, cat.no. S 11). The intricate detail in both works demonstrate the preoccupation with architectural embellishment in Medieval sculpture from this region.
Compare with a black stone column of Vishnu sold at Christie's New York, 13 September 2016, lot 240. Although the column of Vishnu displays similar iconographical structure, with three tiers of deities and their retinue, the marble pillar is twice the size. It is also more intricately carved, the facets sculpted much more in the round in polished white marble, giving a special luster to the refined architectural details. The marble pillar, likely Jain, is clearly the work of a highly accomplished sculptor from Medieval Gujarat.
Compare with a black stone column of Vishnu sold at Christie's New York, 13 September 2016, lot 240. Although the column of Vishnu displays similar iconographical structure, with three tiers of deities and their retinue, the marble pillar is twice the size. It is also more intricately carved, the facets sculpted much more in the round in polished white marble, giving a special luster to the refined architectural details. The marble pillar, likely Jain, is clearly the work of a highly accomplished sculptor from Medieval Gujarat.