A FINE PHYLLITE STONE STELE DEPICTING VISHNU

Description:

North-East India, Pala period, 12th c.
H. 113,5 cm
The stele is sculpted in high relief with Vishnu standing in samabhanga on a shaped base with the winged Garuda flanked by a pair of worshippers to its front, his four arms radiate around his body, the principle hands in varadamudra and holding shankha, both secondary hands with gada and chakra, wearing dhoti secured with an elaborate belt, garland draped around his shoulders, bejewelled, his face displaying a serene expression with almond-shaped eyes below arched eyebrows, incised urna at forehead, elongated earlobes with ear-ornaments, low kiritamakuta decorated with a pair of floating ribbons, flaming head-halo behind, flanked by the standing Sri Devi and Sarasvati holding vina, several minute attendants and divinities placed along both border sides and the upper section showing the central placed kirttimukha flanked to each side by a gandharva extending each a garland
Old German private collection, acquired in Bangladesh in 1969 - Slightly chipped