A very large sandstone architectural fragment of Anantashayana. Central India. 10th/12th century - image-1

Lot 3 Dα

A very large sandstone architectural fragment of Anantashayana. Central India. 10th/12th century

Auction 1213 - overview Cologne
09.12.2022, 11:00 - Asian Art
Estimate: 18.000 € - 22.000 €
Result: 17.010 € (incl. premium)
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A very large sandstone architectural fragment of Anantashayana. Central India. 10th/12th century

In the centre, the bearded four-headed and four-armed Brahma sits on a lotus that grows from the navel of the just-awakened Vishnu. The latter lies on the coiled five-headed serpent Ananta which spreads its hood over the god, to the right Lakshmi expresses her devotion to Vishnu by massaging his feet. To Brahma’s left one of his consorts. In an archway with decorated pillars, in the pediment with pairs of gods. On either side, standing mithuna couples, at the feet of the right-hand couple a bird, and three more mithuna below.
Height 74 cm; width 101 cm; depth 24 cm

In this unusual Anantashayana representation Brahma dominates the composition, whereas usually the sleeping Vishnu is the protagonist of the scene. At the end of the cosmic era (kalpa), Vishnu rests in meditative sleep on the serpent Ananta on the milky ocean, waiting for Brahma to create a new universe. When Vishnu awakes from his slumber a lotus springs forth from his navel, revealing Brahma in its flower. Brahma will be responsible for the re-creation of the world in a new cosmic era.

Provenance

Formerly private collection, Switzerland