Physical description

The panel is carved in full-relief with the goddess Saraswati, the Shakti of the god Brahma. As goddess of Music she is represented four-armed holding in her two normal hands a Vina and in the others a Lotus-disc and the Kamandalu. She dances to her music, a heavily jewelled girdle swinging between her legs. She is flanked by two female attendants or Apsarases. On the base is written in Tamil characters "Vinadari Sarasuvati".

Date

18th century (made)

Materials and Techniques

Carved Teak.

Dimensions

Height: in 19.25in, Width: in 10.11/12in, Depth: in 4.25in

Descriptive line

Carved teak panel from a temple car (ratha) from a Shaivite temple, depicting the goddess Saraswati, Thanjavur, S. India, C18

Collection

South & South East Asia Collection