Bust of Shiva buff sandstone India, Madhya Pradesh

Identified by the third eye and his jatamukuta hairstyle, Shiva is smiling, adorned with beautiful jewelry, most notably the necklace delicately rendered in high relief.

Nasli M. and Alice N. Heeramaneck Collection

Alice N. Heeramaneck, Masterpieces of Indian Sculpture from the former collections of Nasli M. Heeramaneck, Verona, 1979, fig. 54.

Stella Kramrisch, Manifestations of Shiva, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1981, p. 16, fig. 15.

The right arm broken diagonally backward and upwards from just above the elbow. The left arm broken at shoulder level. The bridge and tip of the nose slightly chipped as are the loops of hair on the left side of the jatamukuta hairstyle. The surface slightly worn and rough with weathering, containing soil deposits throughout. No restoration.
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.

Stella Kramrisch refers to this piece as a form of Shiva called Sundara, meaning 'the Beautiful'.