LARGE MANDORLA

Bronze
India , 18th century
 
Dimensions: Height 160 cm Wide 90 cm Depth 9 cm
Weight: 86 Kilograms with base
 
Large mandorla gate of elaborate work. The bottom part is created by ornamental pillars supported by two Yalis. The yali is said to be a guardian creature with head and the body of a lion, the trunk and the tusks of an elephant and sometimes equine features, carrying vessels on their snouts. A smaller mystical creature sits on top of a cornice with its tongue stretched out. The upper half of the mandorla starts with bird-like creatures with feathery tails on each side and their beaks opened wide and exposing sharp teeth. The gate is three-banded, two of open-work floral reptetitions and a beaded band in the middle. The outer edge is decorated with ornamental flames. The top center of the mandorla is decorated with the head of a bull-like creature with horns, bulging eyes, small ears and large nose called kirtimukha.