Nepal, 16th - 17th Century, Wooden Kali Sculpture In His Chamunda Aspect

Nepal, possibly Kathmandu Valley
16th – 17th century

°°° Price can be reasonably negotiated °°°

Rare representation of Kali in her Chamunda aspect. She is represented in a terrifying form, the emaciated face decked out with the third eye, the skeletal body with the sunken chest and hollow abdomen, the bulging eyes, the mouth with a pronounced grin. She is shown standing under foliage,perched on a demon (symbol of ignorance, illusion) in the alidha attitude (split to the left), the latter represented lying on his stomach, left leg resting on the right leg, the left arm bent, right arm outstretched, hand resting on the floor. The goddess dressed in a simple dothi, is crowned with a high tiara, large circular pendant earrings falling on the shoulders. She is adorned with a long garland made up of human skulls (mundamala) and a necklace as well as bracelets on her arms and wrists. Here decked out with four arms brandishing a kapala (human skull serving as a cup), a kartri (cleaver), a trishula (trident) adorned with a skull and a damaru (drum).

The whole piece is of a high quality of execution which is noteworthy for a piece of this size.

Wood with traces of polychromy
Bronze stand
Usual wear
18. x 4.2 cm excluding stand
Private collection