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2. CATALOGUE NO. 29 WOODEN TYMPANUM WITH A GARUDA AND NAGAS Nepal; PROBABLY FROM THE KATHMANDU AREA 17th-18th c. PAINTED WOOD H. 84 CMS, 33 INS; W. 131 CMS, 51 ½ INS |
CATALOGUE NO.29 WOODEN TYMPANUM WITH A GARUDA AND NAGAS NEPAL, PROBABLY FROM THE KATHMANDU AREA 17TH - 18TH CENTURY H. 84 CMS, 33 INS W. 131 CMS, 51 ½ INS A large, beautifully sculpted wooden tympanum, in four sections, depicting a Garuda with outstretched wings flanked by naginis, cartouches with reclining couples, peacocks and makaras, the apex with a seated figure of Lakshmi (consort of Vishnu) beneath a three-tiered parasol; with extensive traces of red and turquoise pigments. Tympanums are typical features of traditional Nepali architecture and are situated above a temple door or window (see also cat. no. 28). A naga (fem. nagini) is a snake deity or spirit, often depicted in part-human form. Makaras are mythical aquatic creatures found in abundance on Nepali architecture. For a related example of a tympanum with a (now missing) central Garuda, see cat. no. S57 in P. Pal, Art of Nepal: A Catalogue of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art Collection, LACMA and University of California Press, 1985. Itemcode: CATALOGUE NO. 29 |