Chosen · Described · Sold with care

FOLIA MUNDI
FRENCHF
The letter
FOLIA MUNDIRare works of artFM OA 0001
Monumental South Indian carved wooden frieze on ivory
Uniform catalogue view on ivory

Rare works of art · FM OA 0001

Unidentified South Indian workshop

Monumental Hindu narrative friezeDivine procession and probable marriage of Shiva and Parvati

South IndiaProbably 19th centuryCarved wood176 cm long

A monumental carved wooden frieze populated by musicians, divine figures and ritual scenes, probably made in Tamil Nadu during the nineteenth century.

Origin
South India, probably Tamil Nadu
Date
Probably 19th century
Dimensions
176 × 20 × 10 cm
Material
Carved wood, species unidentified · traces of polychromy

Price

CHF 4’850

Status

Available as is

Viewing and specialised transport are recommended. Delivery terms are confirmed before payment.

Make an acquisition request

Bibliographical description

A long sacred narrative carved as an architectural presence.

The procession includes musicians, attendants and divine figures. The central ritual episode may represent the sacred marriage of Shiva and Parvati, but the identification remains cautious pending specialist examination.

Its unusual length and continuous high-relief carving give the panel a commanding presence. It may originally have formed part of a temple, chariot or architectural furnishing.

The copy in detail

The main view has been isolated on an ivory background for a consistent presentation. The unedited documentary photographs remain the reference for the text, condition, defects and structure.

View all documentary photographs

The original views show the item exactly as photographed, including hands used to support certain leaves.

Full carved Hindu frieze
Full panel
Musicians carved at the left of the frieze
Musicians
Central divine procession
Central procession
Probable ritual marriage scene
Probable marriage scene
Right-hand procession
Right procession

Condition and checks

Monumental scale, old wear and a fragile upper rail.

Structure

Upper rail irregular and fragile, with cracks, splinters, losses and old insect holes.

Surface

Deposits, rubbing and traces of red and white pigment remain. No recent restoration is claimed.

Provenance

Earlier provenance is undocumented; the piece is currently in Switzerland.

FOLIA MUNDI · Documented expertise

A rare monumental object to examine in person.

A viewing in Switzerland, a detailed condition discussion and specialised insured transport can be arranged.

Make an acquisition request