Temple rooster, marble, India, 19th century.
500,00 zł
The sculpture depicts a simplified, synthetic silhouette of a rooster (Kukkuta), which is an integral architectural element of a Hindu sacred structure. The object is characterized by a compact body. The space between the bird’s legs and the base has not been cut, forming a solid block of stone. The lower part of the sculpture transitions into a regular trapezoidal pedestal with a wedge shape. The lower edge of the base bears traces of rough carving, which facilitated installation in mortar. The sculptural details (deep incisions of the eye, outline of the tail feathers) have been developed in a legible way only on one of the flanks of the sculpture. The other profile of the object is flattened and rougher. This indicates that the sculpture was intended for lateral display – as a cornice support (madal), a decorative element of a staircase balustrade (vedika) or a niche frieze. The form is in keeping with the trend of Indian animalistic art and folk art. The sculptor abandoned meticulous anatomical realism in favor of strong geometric lines, which ensured the mechanical durability of the structural element. Only the key features of the species were clearly marked: the high crest and the obtuse throat (coral).
In Hindu iconography, the rooster is not just a decorative motif, but has an important religious function. It is the sacred mount (wahana) of the god of war Kartikeya (known in southern India as Murugan), son of Shiva.
Dimensions: 28 cm (height) x 28 cm (width) x 8 cm (depth)
Weight: 8.35 kg
1 in stock
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