Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, circa 16th century.

H. (excl. tang) 49 cms, 19 1/2 ins.

A superb, polished blackstone figure of a four-armed Vishnu with an intense spiritual gaze, standing on a lotus pedestal atop a Garuda with outstretched wings, wearing extensive jewellery and holding a club, a chakra, a lotus and a conch; with four kneeling acolytes at his feet.

Reference: no. 97 in S. & J. Huntington, Leaves from the Bodhi Tree: The Art of Pala India and Its International Legacy, Dayton Art Institute, 1990.