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Carved Panel, Rosewood, Possibly Gujarat, Western India, ca. 1800-1820.

REGISTERED ANTIQUITY – NON-EXPORTABLE ITEM.

 

Object Detail

 

A carved panel from Western part of India, most probably from Gujarat, intricately crafted from rosewood.  It is especially valuable due to its intricate amalgamation of Hindu deities alongside the temple śikhara, incorporating various Indo-Islamic motifs and elements, all of which were creatively merged during the period of European colonial influence. The panel is designed in the form of a miniature temple shrine and one of the rarest pieces of art.

 

At the top of the panel, three distinct śikharas can be observed, exemplifying the Nagara style of temple architecture. Adjacent to these śikharas, two pairs of onion-shaped domes typical of Mughal architecture. Additionally, the trefoil arched battlements and projecting eaves showcase design influences stemming from the architectural styles of both the Mughals and Rajputs. The pillars of the shrine are notably diverse in their adornments, featuring clustered and tapering forms that draw inspiration from Mughal architectural design.

 

This carved panel houses numerous Hindu deities. At its apex, the figure of Lord Viṣṇu is rendered in his Śeṣaśāyī incarnation. Beneath a rectangular frame in the centre lies a miniature shrine, housing a figure of Gaṇeśa in a seated position upon a throne. Flanking Gaṇeśa, three other gods or sages are portrayed in a row on either side. At the top, a standing figure of Lord Viṣṇu is depicted. The second figure represents a fierce goddess, whose specific identity remains uncertain, engaged in an act of chopping off a demon’s hair with a sword. On the right side, a seated yogi is shown holding a triśūla (trident), a pāśa (lasso), an unidentified object, and a manuscript or cloth, while a lady presents offerings.

 

To the left, another figure of Gaṇeśa appears, mirroring the one in the centre. The figures of these gods and goddesses are adorned with three-tiered conical crowns, a characteristic often found in Gujarati iconographic figures. At the bottom row, four large circular outlines highlight additional deities. To the right and left are representations of the fierce goddess, while the two central circles contain a seated, meditative god figure. The intricately carved panel is a breathtaking tapestry of dense foliage and intricate floral motifs, creating a visual feast that captivates the eye while leaving scant opportunity for respite.

 

Gujarati wood carving is known for its detailed and elaborate designs. These carvings are seen in furniture, doors, and architectural elements, giving both traditional and modern spaces a unique touch. B. A. Gupte noted in 1886 that wood carving for architecture in Western India primarily belongs to the Gujaratis. This emphasises the uniqueness of Gujarati wood carving.

 

 

Provenance

 

From a Private Collection in Mumbai, India.

 

Condition

 

Good Condition with minor wear.

 

Dimension

 

Length – 14 Inches.

Width  – 9.5 Inches.

 

Literature Comparison

 

1.S. Parmar, Wood Carvings of Gujarat.

 

2.“A Historical Exploration of Wood Carving in India,” Cottage9, accessed August 31, 2025, https://www.cottage9.com/blog/a-historical-exploration-of-wood-carving-in-india/

 

3.Jigna Desai, “Naqsh: The Art of Wood Carving of Traditional Houses of Gujarat—Focus on Ornamentation,” Academia.edu, accessed August 31, 2025, https://www.academia.edu/192948/Naqsh_The_Art_of_Wood_Carving_of_Traditional_Houses_of_Gujarat_Focus_on_Ornamentation

 

4.“A Historical Exploration of Wood Carving in India,” Cottage9, accessed August 31, 2025, https://www.cottage9.com/blog/a-historical-exploration-of-wood-carving-in-india/

 

5.Jigna Desai, “Naqsh: The Art of Wood Carving of Traditional Houses of Gujarat—Focus on Ornamentation,” Academia.edu, accessed August 31, 2025, https://www.academia.edu/192948/Naqsh_The_Art_of_Wood_Carving_of_Traditional_Houses_of_Gujarat_Focus_on_Ornamentation

 

6.S. Parmar, Wood Carvings of Gujarat(Delhi: Maharaja Sayajirao University, 1956).

 

7.K. Trivedi, Census of India 1961, Volume V: Gujarat, Part VII-A (2), Wood Carving of Gujarat(New Delhi: Office of the Registrar General, India, 1961).

 

8.Naela Aamir, “The Rise and Fall of the Tradition of Woodcarving in the Subcontinent,” ResearchGate (January 2018), accessed August 31, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364722326_The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_Tradition_of_Woodcarving_in_the_Subcontinent

 

 

 

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