Comes with Certificate of Authenticity View sample certificate
Secure Shipping - With Tamper Proof Packaging
Curator: The Blue Trunk
Artist: Unknown
Medium: Hand carving on wood
Size: 5.5x11x11.8in / 14x28x30cm
Weight: 480gms
This exquisite vintage collectible is a "Kirtimukha" that originally formed part of of large wooden prabhavali. The piece is carved in great detail with intricate work all over the piece. The artifact is over 70 years old and is in great condition for its age. The piece was sourced from Karnataka and is mounted on a cast iron base to enable table top display.
The word mukha in Sanskrit refers to the face while kīrti means "fame, glory". Kirtimukha has its origin in a legend from the Skanda Purana when an all-devouring monster created from Shiva's third eye willingly ate his body starting by its tail as per Lord Shiva's order, who pleased with the result gave it the name face of glory. The Kirtimukha is often used as a decorative motif surmounting the pinnacle of a temple or the image of a deity, especially in South Indian architecture. This monstrous face with bulging eyes sits also as an embellishment over the lintel of the gate to the inner sanctum in many Hindu temples signifying the reabsorption that marks the entry into the temple. Mostly it is only a face, although in some places its arms are portrayed as well
Note: There may be slight variations in size, weight and colour from the photograph and details provided. Vintage pieces may show signs of wear and tear and discolouration owing to their age
Care instructions: Wipe the piece with a soft, dry cloth. Do not expose it to direct sunlight, dampness, heat or cold.
The Blue Trunk was born out of the passion to travel, and collect pieces that symbolise the rich cultural traditions and history of places travelled to. They scour towns and villages, big and small, across India’s vast landscape, to bring forth an exquisite curation of traditional and authentic products that are part of the lives they discover. Their penchant for hand crafted artifacts, both vintage and new, is what makes their collection such a fine mix.