South Asia, India, ca. 19th century CE. A wonderful wooden panel carved in high relief with the erotic image of an embracing couple. Though heavily adorned in armbands, necklaces, anklets, and elaborate coiffures, the couple is otherwise nude as they hold one another in a twisting, tangled position. The male bends down to kiss the female, holding her in both arms and wrapping his leg around her hips as she lunges forward. This relief likely draws inspiration from the ancient bas-relief stone erotic carvings at the temple complex in in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. These temples were built by Chandela dynasty between 900 AD and 1130 AD and were dedicated to both Jainism and Hinduism. Size: 2.8″ L x 11.7″ W x 22.7″ H (7.1 cm x 29.7 cm x 57.7 cm)
Condition: Chipping to sandal of male and some stable, pressure fissures and small nicks and abrasions to wood, but otherwise intact and excellent with good preservation of detail and patina throughout. Suspension wire on verso for display.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Connecticut, USA collection
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