NEPAL, EARLY MALLA PERIOD, CIRCA 13TH CENTURY

This thirteenth century gilt-copper figure from Nepal depicts a demon attendant to Mahishasura, the buffalo demon subdued by the goddess Durga. As fully illustrated in larger Mahishasuramardini sculptural programs, Durga spreads her divine wrath to Mahishasura's companions, making this figure a direct victim of the battle (c.f. Rubin Museum of Art, C2005.16.11). There are several extant examples of these dramatic companion figures including one at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1987.142.363) and another sold at Sotheby's, New York, 20 September 2021, lot 320.