Panel from a Box (Primary Title)
relief panel (Object Name)
Unknown (Artist)
This exuberantly carved ivory panel once ornamented the exterior of a small wooden box. A keyhole-shaped cutout at the center of its upper edge indicates that it was attached to the box’s front. Lush foliage and long-limbed figures in amorous poses occupy the panel’s four arched niches. Its flowing linear rhythms, luxuriant decorative detail, distinctive figural style, and delicately complex architectural elements are typical of art patronized by the South Indian kings known as Nayakas. Depictions of courtly pleasures, including scenes of erotic love, were particularly popular themes in Nayaka art. The large figure in the left panel, flanked by two women, may represent a Nayaka king. The bouquet-shaped emblem in his right hand resembles the royal scepter of the Nayakas of Madurai.
Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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