A fine phylite stone torso of probably Vishnu

Description:

North-East India, Pala period, 12th c.
H. 53 cm
Standing in samabhanga, the arms broken, wearing dhoti incised with bands containing various floral musters, fastened around the waist with a broad belt knotted to the front with a ribbon, lavishly decorated with jewellery and lozenge-shaped plaques ornamented with swaying pearled tassels, pearled upavita draped over his left shoulder to continue over belly and upper legs, scarf similarly draped over his left shoulder incised with floral motifs, an elaborate necklace consisting of swaying strings around a central medallion and some hair tresses curling over both shoulders, on stand.
From an important German private collection, acquired at the Maastricht fair, Blue Elephant, on 15 March 2001. A copy of the insurance certificate is available