India, mid-13th century. The sun god standing on a lotus base, celestial garlands flowing around him, richly adorned in beaded jewelry and sacred thread, holding lotus stems in each hand, wearing a high elaborate crown with foliate decorations, the serene face with downcast eyes and gently arching eyebrows.Provenance: French private collection.Condition: Very good condition commensurate with age, extensive wear and losses.Weight: 3,924 gDimensions: Height 23.7 cm (excl. base) and 26.3 cm (incl. base)Mounted on a modern metal base. (2)A circular floral symbol reminiscent of a halo behind the head, flanked by two flying Vidhyadharas, Pingala holding a pen and ink standing to Surya's right, Dandi holding a sword and staff standing to his left, a female deity to either side.Auction result comparison: For a related but larger and slightly earlier stele depicting Vishnu, see Christie's London, 11 January 2017, lot 121, sold for GBP 4,000.