An Indian gem-set gold head of the Goddess Gauri
Possibly Maharashtra or Karnataka, early 19th century
The head of the female deity is finely sculpted, with polychrome hair and facial features executed in gold, complete with gem-set karanphool jhumka earrings decorated with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and seed pearls.
H approx. 6.5 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, Switzerland (since the 1960s)
Gauri, also known as Parvati or Uma, is one of the trinity known as the Tridevi. Gauri is the consort of the god Shiva, representing motherhood, devotion, and fertility. Heads such as these were traditionally adorned and worshipped by women. Usually, they are made of brass and, more seldom, silver. A Gauri head in solid gold, however, is extremely rare.
The head of the female deity is finely sculpted, with polychrome hair and facial features executed in gold, complete with gem-set karanphool jhumka earrings decorated with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and seed pearls.
H approx. 6.5 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, Switzerland (since the 1960s)
Gauri, also known as Parvati or Uma, is one of the trinity known as the Tridevi. Gauri is the consort of the god Shiva, representing motherhood, devotion, and fertility. Heads such as these were traditionally adorned and worshipped by women. Usually, they are made of brass and, more seldom, silver. A Gauri head in solid gold, however, is extremely rare.
Part of the Indian Ocean collection.
Related objects
A large silver Shiva head
_India, late 19th century_ _H. 33.5 cm; Weight: 1.34 kg_ At over thirty centimeters high, this example is shrine-scaled, its mirror-bright surface designed to animate offerings, movement, and flame.
A gem-set silver-gilt Shiva Mukhalingam head
_Maharashtra or Karnataka, 18th century_ _H. approx 6 cm_ Provenance: Private collection, Switzerland (since the 1960s)
A very fine Sri Lankan ivory and gold bible box
Fine Sri Lankan Ivory and Gold Bible box