Monumental Hindu narrative friezeDivine procession and probable marriage of Shiva and Parvati

South IndiaProbably 19th centuryCarved wood176 cm long

A monumental carved wooden frieze populated by musicians, divine figures and ritual scenes, probably made in Tamil Nadu during the nineteenth century.

Price

CHF 4’850

Status

Available as is

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Origin: South India, probably Tamil Nadu
Date: Probably 19th century
Dimensions: 176 × 20 × 10 cm
Material: Carved wood, species unidentified · traces of polychromy

Bibliographical description

A long sacred narrative carved as an architectural presence.

The procession includes musicians, attendants and divine figures. The central ritual episode may represent the sacred marriage of Shiva and Parvati, but the identification remains cautious pending specialist examination.

Its unusual length and continuous high-relief carving give the panel a commanding presence. It may originally have formed part of a temple, chariot or architectural furnishing.

The copy in detail

A faithful presentation of the object.

The background of each documentary view has been neutralised to ivory for consistency. The text, condition, defects and structure remain documented from the source photograph.

View all documentary photographs

The documentary content comes from the source photograph; only the surrounding background and edge transition have been neutralised. Supporting hands remain where they help document the structure.

Musicians carved at the left of the frieze — Musicians

Central divine procession — Central procession

Probable ritual marriage scene — Probable marriage scene

Right-hand procession — Right procession

Condition and checks

Monumental scale, old wear and a fragile upper rail.

Structure

Upper rail irregular and fragile, with cracks, splinters, losses and old insect holes.

Surface

Deposits, rubbing and traces of red and white pigment remain. No recent restoration is claimed.

Provenance

Earlier provenance is undocumented; the piece is currently in Switzerland.

FOLIA MUNDI · Documented expertise

A rare monumental object to examine in person.

A viewing in Switzerland, a detailed condition discussion and specialist transport with the applicable coverage confirmed in writing can be arranged.

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