Rare double-sided stele / votive plaque in sculpted marble, polychrome and gilded – Threefold Deity. - Heavy, dense white marble, hand-carved, with traces of red cinnabar polychromy pigments - 19th century

[Sacred Art / India] Rare stela / votive plaque with double-sided relief in sculpted white marble, polychrome and gilded – Three-faced deity (Trimurti / Brahma or Shiva) and meditating ascetic – India (Rajasthan or Gujarat), 19th century

Remarkable and uncommon monoxyle votive relief plaque sculpted in the round and in bas-relief in white marble, endowed with a double front-and-back decoration richly enhanced by red polychromy, gold, and black original accents.

Front face (Recto): Representation of a major deity from the Hindu pantheon (probably Brahma or a three-headed form of Shiva visible), seated in a cross-legged position on an elevated throne adorned with architectural motifs and friezes. The deity wears ornaments, necklaces and bracelets enhanced with gold leaf, framed by an arched stele (prabha).

Back face (Verso): Sculpted and painted depiction of a sage or bearded ascetic seated in meditation within an architectural niche, hands resting on the knees, with a face bearing expressive features and a finely drawn beard.

Material & Finish: Heavy, dense white marble, hand-carved, with remnants of red cinnabar polychromy, black pigments and gold leaf from the period. Traditional ancient inscriptions handwritten in black ink beneath the base.

Origin: India (traditional art of Rajasthan or Gujarat, domestic cult object).

Period: 19th century

Dimensions & Weight:

Height: 12 cm
Width: 8 cm
Thickness: 2 cm
Weight: 377 g

Overall Condition: Fine state of authenticity and preservation for an ancient ritual altar piece.

Polychromy & Wear: Natural wear to the gilding and polychromy due to worship and age. Solid marble structure, authentic old patina.