India, Rajasthan, 16th-17th century. The face shows a serene expression with gently arched eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, a broad nose, and full lips forming a subtle smile, flanked by long ears with large circular earrings, the fine locks of hair in tight curls along the hairline, surmounted by an elaborate headdress finely incised with floral and geometric designs. Mounted to an associated modern wood base.
Condition: Good condition commensurate with age, some cracks and losses, extensive wear. Provenance: Belgian private collection.
Weight: 36.1 kg (incl. base) Dimensions: Height 71.5 cm (incl. base), 52 cm (excl. base)
Auction result comparison: A similar head, from the 12th century and of considerably smaller size, was sold by Christie’s New York in Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Works of Art on 15 March 2016, lot 315, for USD $25,000.
