A large black granite sculpture of Bhudevi, Chola Dynasty, circa 13th century

William H. Wolff Inc., New York, 11th June 1965.

Collection of Stephen Junkunc, III (d. 1978).

The Chola period, ninth through the thirteenth centuries, witnessed unparalleled cultural and artistic achievements and is widely considered to be a ‘golden age’ in south Indian history. At the height of their power the Chola monarchs controlled a vast territory that included the southern part of the Indian peninsula and extended to Sri Lanka and the Maldive Islands. They were active patrons of the arts and built numerous temples.

This superbly carved large sculptutre depicts Bhudevi, the Earth Goddess, one of the consorts of Vishnu. Legend has it that she was abducted by the demon Hiranyaksha, prompting Vishnu to take on the form of his boar avatar Varaha and plunge to the depths of the ocean to save her. Vishnu then proceeded to destroy the demon with his chakra after lifting her above the waves on his tusks. Bhudevi is frequently represented as part of a trinity, with Vishnu in the center and Sri Devi on the other side. Bhudevi is distinguishable from Sri Devi by her prominent breast band.

It is rare to find a granite figure of this size and quality, preserved in such good condition. Compare the larger granite figure of Shiva from the collection of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York, sold in these rooms, 23rd March 2007, lot 27.