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1. Makaras India, Mathura 2nd c. sandstone height 26,5 cm, wide 66,5 cm, deep 12 cm. |
A makara is a mythic water monster whose magical powers relate to water’s fertility. Originally, the term makara referred to an actual fish or crocodile, but over time it took on the trappings of a fantastic composite creature with the tail of a fish (which later evolved into a vegetal motif), and the scale-covered body and head of a crocodile. The makara is the emblem of Kama, the god of love, and also serves as the vehicle of other gods, such as Varuna, god of the ocean, and the river goddess Ganga. When portrayed with a man emerging from its mouth, as here, the makara symbolizes the door or passage from death to new life, from dark to light, and from childhood to mature age. The makara already appears on the great Indian stupas at Barhut, Sanchi, Sarnath and Amaravati, where it is to be found among auspicious and protective water related motifs. These two impressive makaras are securely ensconced within an architectural frame, yet their coiled and scaly tails, laid back fishtail ears, tensed claws, glaring eyes, elephant trunk and fearsome bared teeth impart a striking animation. Classically depicted, these aquatic hybrids possess all the typical iconographic characteristics, a mythical creature linked to a fish and crocodile. A now partly lost human figure steps forth from each of their gaping jaws. The Kushans, who ruled over a large empire in north India during the first two centuries CE, were great patrons of art. Two important schools of sculpture developed in this period - Gandhara and Mathura. Although the themes it portrayed were Indian, the Gandhara school was based on Greco-Roman norms that none the less encapsulated the Indian techniques and spirits. The Mathura school, on the other hand, was of a pure Indian origin and developed a style rich in aesthetic appeal. The art originating from Mathura is also noted for its vitality and assimilative character, and was a result of the religious vigour of Brahmanism, Jainism and Buddhism, inspired by early Indian arts of Barhut and Sanchi. Images in mottled red sandstone from the nearby Sikri quarries are found widely distributed over north and central India; the sculptural marvels excavated here provide an insight into Indian art from early times. The present makaras are excellent examples of the classical Mathura style. Carved from the typical reddish sandstone with yellowish natural spots, they exhibit all the classic stylistic traits. These makaras would originally have been part of a large gate or balustrade, were they fulfilled a significant protective function. Striking and convincing in their details, the finely pronounced and well delineated sculptures have an impressive movement that creates a stimulating sense of dynamic force. Similar masterfully carved Mathura sculptures of the same high quality and dimensions are extremely rare in western collection. Provenance: Private collection Italy. Art Loss Register Certificate, Reference S00003590. R . Ray & J. Van Alphen, Tejas. Eternal Energy. 1500 Years of Indian Art , Centre for Fine Arts Brussels, Brussels, 2007, p.77. India, Uttar Pradesh, Makara and Nagaraja, Mathura, 2nd century CE, Government Museum, Mathura, height 22, length 74 cm. P.H. Vogel, La Sculpture de Mathura, Ars Asiatica XV, G. Van Oest, 1930, n°10. India, Makara, Mathura, Museum of Mathura, height 28 cm, length 71 cm. |