BLACK STONE STELE OF UMA MAHESVARA; NORTHEAST INDIA PALA PERIODcirca 11th century A fragmentary black stone stele carved in relief with Shiva and Parvati seated together in the Uma-Mahesvara pose, Shiva's arm draped affectionately around his consort as the two figures gaze at one another. Both wear tall conical crowns, heavy earrings, and finely carved jewelry and sashes, seated on a lotus throne above a base decorated with a bull (Nandi) and attendant figures. The stone has a smooth, dark grey-black surface with traces of lighter encrustation, and the top and right edges are broken. Mounted on a custom wood stand. Height: 16.25 (including wooden base) $7,500-10,000
PROVENANCE: This item was acquired in 1975 in Bangladesh by the consignor's father, who was residing and working in India at the time of acquisition, and the piece has remained in the family's possession since that date, passing to the current consignor through inheritance. To the buyer and upon request, the consignor has agreed to provide a signed affidavit attesting to the circumstances of acquisition, including the approximate location and year of purchase (1975, Bangladesh). Note: No additional documentation (such as receipts, correspondence, or import records) is currently available from the period of acquisition; however, the consignor's firsthand account, formalized through affidavit, is offered as a good-faith representation of the item's provenance.
