India, possibly Sarnath. 10th/11th c. or later. Possibly Chunar reddish sandstone with very finely worked detail. Shown standing in abhanga, the two main arms lowered in varada mudra and holding the prayer wreath and the conch, the second pair of arms raised and holding the chakra (resp. a discus) and the club. To the right and left to his aureole each a sitting figure, with four further standing figures at his feet.
The shaft introduces the reincarnation of the god Vishnu as the small Vamana, who however grew to an incredible size and could cover heaven and earth with two steps. Height 53 cm, width 26cm. Condition B.
Provenance: -Sold as no 177 at Christie's London, July 2, 1980.