Relief depicting Kartikeya

Northwest India

Circa 18th century

Alabaster

28.5x22.5 cm

Old German private collection, between 1960-1995

The rectangular relief carved in high relief depicts Kartikeya seated on a crowned Hamsa (mythical bird) placed within an arched niche, his eight arms radiating around him and the hands holding his attributes. He wears various garments including an underskirt secured around the waist by a belt. His face displays a serene expression with almond-shaped eyes, his hair combed in a chignon, with tresses falling on his shoulders and topped with a tiara.

Traces of gilding and polychrome