401 - Polychrome female temple figure with a lotus bud. South India, probably Tamil Nadu or Karnataka, 19th century. Height approx. 61 cm, width approx. 23 cm, depth approx. 12 cm. Wood, carved in the round and painted in polychrome. Standing female figure in a slightly curved posture, richly adorned with necklaces, arm and ankle bracelets, and a wide ornamental hip belt. In her raised hand she holds a stylized flower bud; her other hand rests on her hip. The head is framed by a large, radially structured disc decorated with a floral rosette on the reverse. Panels of the robe fall down the sides; the reverse is adorned with large plant-based ornaments. Mounted on a rectangular pedestal carved with stylized lotus motifs. Likely part of the furnishings for a South Indian temple or processional chariot. Wood with cracking; the base is more heavily cracked and partially split. Minor chips and possible older repairs or alterations. Provenance: Formerly in the collection of G.S., Munich, since before 1980.