Gujarat (Western India)
Wood with polychrome
An attractive architectural bracket with original colour depicting a figure holding a musket. The figure wears a decorated crown and has a stylised face with large ovular eyes pressing into a pointed nose and ears in the shape of swirling foliage. He is dressed in a pleated dhoti and a buttoned shirt. A stylised stole that is draped across his shoulders, turn into wings that emerge from either end of his body. His gun, which is decorated with geometric and floral designs, is carried diagonally across his body with the muzzle pointed upward, in the port arms position. A Vaishnavite tilak is marked on his forehead.
Dwarapalas or ‘door guardians’ are placed at the entrance of every temple, shrine or sacred precinct. Two or four-handed, they sometimes carry in their hands the emblem of the deity enshrined in the sanctuary. Their countenance may sometimes be fierce and occasionally fangs protrude from their mouths. Temples dedicated to goddesses have female guardians – the Dwarapalikas.
Size (cms): 75 (H) x 20 (W) x 19 (D)
Size (inches): 29.5 (H) x 8 (W) x 7.5 (D)
