A PAIR OF SOUTH INDIAN CARVED WOOD PANELS DEPICTING MAHISHAS...

Hammer

£1,100

A PAIR OF SOUTH INDIAN CARVED WOOD PANELS DEPICTING MAHISHASURAMARDINI AND A HEROIC FIGURE ON HORSEBACK

This pair of high-relief carved wood panels is characteristic of South Indian craftsmanship, likely from the Mysore region of Karnataka or Tamil Nadu, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. The panels are carved from a dense, reddish-brown hardwood, consistent with the appearance and grain of sandalwood. Each panel features a central figure within a pierced, arched frame known as a prabhavali, which is topped with a kirtimukha mask. The left panel depicts the Goddess Durga as Mahishasuramardini, the slayer of the buffalo demon. She is shown with multiple arms wielding various weapons, including a trident being thrust into the back of the buffalo, Mahishasura, from whose neck a human figure emerges. The right panel depicts a crowned figure on horseback, possibly the deity Revanta or the local guardian Aiyanar, carrying a bow and arrow. Below the horse are three attendants, including a drummer and a figure holding a fly-whisk. Both panels are set upon stepped rectangular bases featuring carved floral and foliate patterns. No maker marks or signatures are present on the bases or bodies of the items.

16 x 12.5cm