Nepal, 16th - 17th century, Wooden sculpture of Kali in her Chamunda aspect

Nepal, possibly Kathmandu Valley 16th - 17th century Wooden sculpture of Kali in her Chamunda aspect Wood with traces of polychromy Bronze base Wear and tear 18 x 4.2 cm excluding base Private collection Rare representation of Kali in her Chamunda aspect. She is represented in a terrifying form, the emaciated face adorned with the third eye, the skeletal body with the sagging chest and the hollow abdomen, the bulging eyes, the mouth with a pronounced rictus. She is depicted standing under foliage, perched on a demon (symbol of ignorance, illusion) in the alidha attitude (split to the left), the latter represented lying on his stomach, left leg resting on the right leg, the left arm bent, the right arm outstretched, the hand resting on the ground. The goddess, dressed in a simple dothi, wears a high tiara and large circular earrings falling on her shoulders. She is adorned with a long garland made of human skulls (mundamala) and a necklace as well as bracelets on her arms and wrists. The deity is adorned with four arms brandishing a kapala (human skull acting as a cup), a kartri (cleaver), a trishula (trident) decorated with a skull and a damaru (drum). The entire piece is of high quality execution, which is noteworthy for a piece of this size.

Dimensions :
- Height : 18 cm hors socle cm
- Width : 4.2 cm hors socle cm