Vyalas were sometimes considered as guardians of temples, but actually they appear as symbolic representations of awesome natural forces and uncontrolled human passions, which must be subdued in order to achieve inner peace. While most often Vyalas are known to appear in low sculpted reliefs, the present sculpture, a lion-headed Vyala (simha-vyala), is a very rare example that is sculpted in the round. The Sanskrit word vyala means “snake”, and is synonymous of “serpent of death”, or fierce monster. There is an obvious similarity between the Hindu creature and the Iranian griffin, both in terms of esthetics and mythology, considering the common Proto-Indo-Iranian background. Indeed, the legendary animal is a recurrent theme in most Indo-European cultures, evident until the Middle Ages with the depiction Gothic gargoyles. More than a frightening creature it represents the inner dragon of evil against which force every human soul has to confront. Reprint with the kind permission of Martin Doustar.
are decorated in gold koftgari with a pattern of vine leaves. The koftgari embellishment is usually found in steel engraved elements of a rare design, which makes this dagger quite a unique piece. There are a specific number of features of Persian origin found in the design of this dagger, but the general shape of the blade and style of decoration shows a similarity with North Indian fashion which combination brings it on a par with well-known examples in the Metropolitan Museum, the Louvre and the British Museum. 17. Bhairava Sculpture représentant Bhairava Gurjara - Pratihara dynasty, ca. 10th-11th Cent., North India Beige sandstone, h. 72 cm Prov.: Family of J. Goodwill, London, 2008
Vyala and Rider under attack, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, Gupta period, 5th Cent., sandstone (National Museum, New Delhi) (after Grace Morley, Indian Sculpture, Lustre Press, 2005, p. 79)
16. Pesh Kabz dagger Pesh Kabz Ca. first half of the 19th Cent., North Indian or Persian, possibly from Heart Wootz steel, gold and ivory, h. 39,5 cm Prov.: Private UK collection The “T” section blade has a thickened tip forged from finely patterned watered wootz steel and is extensively decorated with gold koftgari ornaments. This includes a motif of flowering foliage and a vase of flowers, while the back edge and grip strap
Expression de la nature complexe et ambigüe de Shiva, Bhairava est la forme courroucée et terrifiante de la divinité qui incarne l'aspect destructeur du Dieu. Ce Bhairava représenté debout en tribhanga devait à l'origine avoir quatre bras et être revêtu à la taille d’un dhoti. Il a une corpulence normale et une silhouette élancée au ventre tombant. Ici la divinité s’orne de parures, boucles d'oreilles, colliers agrémentés de têtes de Citipati, brassards et ceintures orfévrées. Un cordon brahmanique à deux rangs barre son torse et forme une courbe descendant sur les jambes. Le caractère belliqueux de Bhairava se devine aisément dans l'expression du visage. Les yeux semblent exorbités, légèrement globuleux et le regard fixe. Les arcades sourcilières sont ondulées en léger relief tandis que la bouche est charnue et crispée. Les cheveux plaqués sur le crâne se terminent en deux rangées de cheveux bouclés, dressés en éventail, généralement accordés aux divinités en colère. Dans la main droite posée sur son thorax, la divinité tient le crâne de sa victime Brahma. En punition, il sera contraint d'errer à travers l'univers durant des années. Cette sculpture très expressive est un bel exemple de la virtuosité des sculpteurs indiens qui s'illustre notamment dans le traitement du ventre d'un réalisme et d'une souplesse stupéfiants. 18. The Goddess Shalabhanjika Superbe représentation de la déesse Shalabhanjika Ca. late 10th-11th Cent., North India Red sandstone and traces of paint, h. 112 cm (text see pp. 12-13) Prov.: Gérard Wahl-dit-Boyer (1944-2014), Paris Private Belgian collection, Gent, 2002
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