CENTRAL INDIA, MADHYA PRADESH OR UTTAR PRADESH, 8TH-9TH CENTURY

This iconic rampant vyala was a subject of particular interest to the Alsdorfs. Compare the bulging eyes; the curly stylized mane; and the tail with foliate motif which matches the scrolling foliate support under the proper left hind leg of the current lot with a pair of contemporaneous red sandstone sculptures depicting rampant vyalas gifted by Marilynn Alsdorf to the Art Institute of Chicago (acc. no. 1997.714a-b).

For further discussion of decorative architectural elements such as the above, see V. Desai and D. Mason (eds.), Gods, Guardians and Lovers: Temple Sculpture from North India A.D. 700-1200, New York, 1993, p. 162f.