Description North India, 4th-5th century. Seated atop a bed of lotus petals, holding the stem of a lotus flower coming to full bloom at the shoulder, wearing a dhoti tied at the waist, richly adorned with floral jewelry, his serene face with almond-shaped eyes and full lips. The hair arranged in richly curled locks surmounted by an elaborate crown with floral decorations, a halo behind his head. Provenance: Collection of Leonardo Vigorelli, Bergamo, acquired in the Italian antiques trade between 1996 and 1999. Leonardo Vigorelli is a retired Italian art dealer and noted collector, specializing in African and ancient Hindu-Buddhist art. After studying anthropology and decades of travel as well as extensive field research in India, the Himalayan region, Southeast Asia, and Africa, he founded the Dalton Somaré art gallery in Milan, Italy, which today is being run by his two sons. Condition: Excellent condition, commensurate with age. Wear, small losses, few structural cracks, minor nicks and light scratches, minor old repairs and touchups. Scientific Analysis: A thermoluminescence sample analysis has been conducted by Arcadia, Tecnologie Per I Beni Culturali, Milan, dated 10 April 2013, reference no. 245C. The result is consistent with the suggested period of manufacture. A copy of the thermoluminescence analysis report accompanies this lot. Dimensions: 53 cm (incl. base) Literature comparison: Compare a related terracotta relief depicting a male musician, with similar curls, in the British Museum, museum number 1969,1217.1. #MasterpiecesW39