A PINK SANDSTONE FRIEZE OF AGNI WITH DEVOTEES PREFORMING THE YAJNA (FIRE CEREMONY), CENTRAL INDIA, 11th – 12th CENTURY

A PINK SANDSTONE FRIEZE OF AGNI WITH DEVOTEES PREFORMING THE YAJNA (FIRE CEREMONY), CENTRAL INDIA, 11th – 12th CENTURY Finely carved, the crowned god of fire seated beneath a pillared awning on a short stool before a small fire where two devotees perform the fire ceremony (yajna). The central devotee holding a large spoon over the fire, having poured a libation over the flame, flanked by a second figure holding an offering bowl. The third attendant stands behind the deity holding the stem of a lotus which comes to full bloom between the figures. The benevolent face of Agni with full lips forming a calm smile, with a long beard, raised brows, and his hair secured by a tall crown. Provenance: English private collection, acquired in 1985. Collection of Carlos Cruañas Dalmau, Barcelona, acquired from the above. Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age, with minor wear. Signs of weathering, tiny nicks, small chips, and natural flaws. Weight: 43.3 kg (incl. stand) Dimensions: Length 59 cm Mounted on a metal stand. Literature comparison: Compare a related sandstone frieze depicting Agni with a celestial attendant, 41 cm high, dated ca. 10th century, in the Walters Art Museum, accession number 25.248. Compare a figure of Agni similarly modeled, 58.5 cm high, dated 10th-11th century, in the Walters Art Museum, accession number 25.255. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 17 March 2015, lot 1074 Price: USD 27,800 or approx. EUR 34,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A buff sandstone Vaishnavite relief, central India, ca. 9th century Expert remark: Compare the related style and modeling. Note the different subject. Note the similar size (55.8 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s New York, 23 March 2022, lot 454 Price: USD 23,940 or approx. EUR 24,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A buff sandstone relief of Narasimha, India, Uttar Pradesh, 10th-11th century Expert remark: Compare the related style and style. Note the different subject. Note the smaller size (45.7 cm).