Lot 5 Dα

A rare Pala phyllite stone stele with the Navagraha (Nine planetary deities). Northeast India, Bihar. 11th/12th century

Of rectangular form carved in deep relief with with Ganesha at the left and the nine planetary deities including Surya the sun-god, Chandra the moon-good, Mangala, Buddha, Brhaspati, Shukra, Shani, the bodyless Rahu and Ketu with a snake’s body, a nimbus behind each divinity's head, each standing on a lotus placed on a plinth with their vehicle below, all carrying their specific attribute in their two hands, wearing dhoti and jewelry, the lower register carved with each deity's corresponding animal vehicle. Wooden stand. For closely related examples, see Sotheby's, New York, 20.9.2021, lot 366; Sotheby's, New York, 26.3.1998, lot 49 and Sotheby's, New York 23.3.1995, lot 6
Height 37 cm; width 78 cm