Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
South Asian Sculpture, Room 47b

Standing Deity, possibly Shiva

Figure
ca. 7th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The torso is nude, but richly decorated with ornaments and the Brahmin's sacred cord. The heavily curled hair is caught up into a bunch on the top of the head, behind which is an elliptical halo. The arms are missing from the elbow, but the right forearm was raised.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleStanding Deity, possibly Shiva (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Basalt
Brief description
Standing deity possibly Shiva, Basalt, 7th century, Aurangabad region, Maharashtra, Deccan
Physical description
The torso is nude, but richly decorated with ornaments and the Brahmin's sacred cord. The heavily curled hair is caught up into a bunch on the top of the head, behind which is an elliptical halo. The arms are missing from the elbow, but the right forearm was raised.
Dimensions
  • Height: 119cm
  • Width: 58cm
  • Depth: 30cm
  • Weight: 290kg
Style
Gallery label
  • Standing Deity, possibly Shiva 600–700 Chalukya period The Deccan formed at times a cultural bridge between the arts of the north and the south. Its medieval rock-cut temples of Ajanta and Ellora are among the most famous in India.This torso,with its elegant modelling, rich ornamentation and elaborate coiffure, is similar to the monumental sculptures at Ellora. However, it was freestanding rather than rock-cut, so probably belonged to a small temple. Basalt South-west India (Aurangabad region, Maharashtra, Deccan) Presented by Major-General J.Willoughby Museum no. IM.13-1915 (06/06/2011)
  • STANDING DEITY, POSSIBLY SHIVA Basalt Aurangabad region, Maharashtra, Deccan Calukya style, circa 7th century This torso typifies the late Gupta/early medieval style of the western Deccan, the greatest expression of which is to be found at the rock-cut temples of Ajanta and Ellora. This figure appears to have been freestanding rather than rock-cut, and probably belonged to a small temple in the region. The elegant modelling, rich ornamentation and elaborate coiffure have their closest parallels in the monumental sculptures to be seen at Ellora. Presented by Major-General J. Willoughby IM.13-1915(1988)
Credit line
Bequeathed by Captain J. G. Willoughby, 33rd Cavarly, Springsfield, Bourton-on-the-Water
Historical context
This torso typifies the late Gupta / early medieval style of the western Deccan, the greatest expression of which is to be found at the rock cut temples of Ellora and Ajanta. This figure appears to have been free-standing rather than rock-cut, and probably belonged to a small temple in the region. The elegant modelling, rich ornamentation and elaborate coiffure have their closest parallels in the monumental sculptures seen at Ellora.
Production
Aurangabad region, Maharashtra, Deccan, India
Subject depicted
Bibliographic references
  • Guy, John: 'Indian Temple Sculpture', London, V & A Publication, 2007, p.142, pl.161. ISBN 9781851775095.
  • Irwin, John C., Indian Art, Victoria and Albert Museum, London: H. M. Stationery Office, 1968 pl.8
Collection
Accession number
IM.13-1915

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Record createdFebruary 13, 2000
Record URL
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