- 202
A Group of Four Illustratons of Devis
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 USD
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Description
- A Group of Four Illustratons of Devis
- Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper
- image 8 3/4 by 5 1/4 in. (22.2 by 13.3 cm.) and slightly smaller
- folio 11 /8 by 7 1/8 in. (28.4 by 18.2 cm.) and slightly smaller, [4], unframed, 2 illustrated
Three illustrations in the group represent Dhumavati, one of the fearsome aspects of Devi. Amongst lay devotees, Dhumavati, lit. the smoky one, is also regarded as an inauspicious emblem and an embodiment of unfullfilled desire. Here she is seen seated with a winnowing basket in her hand on her vahana the crow, itself a carrion eater and an emblem of death. While the Goddess is most often portrayed as an old widow , the present group includes depictions of her in bridal finery and as a young woman, which are certainly rare.
The fourth illustration, pictured here, depicts Varahi Devi and Kurukulla, two tantric deities who are considered to be the male and female manifestations of Shakti. The red-skinned Goddess Kurukulla bearing her bow and petaled arrows, is worshipped for her magnetizing qualities.
The fourth illustration, pictured here, depicts Varahi Devi and Kurukulla, two tantric deities who are considered to be the male and female manifestations of Shakti. The red-skinned Goddess Kurukulla bearing her bow and petaled arrows, is worshipped for her magnetizing qualities.
Provenance
Acquired from the Royal Library of Mandi in 1969
Condition
Good overall condition. Some stains and abrasions to lower portion of one painting (lady on a bird). Devanagari inscriptions on reverse of all four. Colors brighter than catalogue illustration. Displayed in temporary frames for exhibition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.