- 357
Lingam Stone Western India, Narmada River
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
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Description
- Lingam
- Stone
- height 51 in. (129.5 cm)
The lingam is the primary form in which Shiva is worshipped in Hinduism. Variously considered a phallus or a pillar of light, this aniconic form is considered to be the purest embodiment of the deity.
Ovoid boulders such as the present lot are of a type that occurs naturally in the bed of the sacred river Narmada in Western India. Such self-born or svayambhu lingas created through natural rock formation and erosion are considered to be extremely auspicious.
Compare with a similar lingam in the Collection of National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, see M. Brand, The Vision of Kings. Canberra, 1995, cat. 7, p. 27.
Ovoid boulders such as the present lot are of a type that occurs naturally in the bed of the sacred river Narmada in Western India. Such self-born or svayambhu lingas created through natural rock formation and erosion are considered to be extremely auspicious.
Compare with a similar lingam in the Collection of National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, see M. Brand, The Vision of Kings. Canberra, 1995, cat. 7, p. 27.
Provenance
Lisbeth Holmes Textiles, London 1983
Condition
In excellent condition. Natural variations in surface coloration. As demarcated in the sale catalogue, please note that this lingam is of monumental size and weight, and will require special shipping and handling.
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.