The Churning of the Sea of Milk
carved wood, weathered, mounted on a custom base
late 19th-early 20th century
Southeast India (Tamil Nadu)
height (not including base): approx. 47.5 cm
provenance: acquired in Chennai, India, by the present owner, Jack Daulton
This wood carving is a fragment from a Hindu temple car or chariot, which is used to carry images of Hindu deities in processions on festival days.
The motif represented is the Hindu myth of cosmic renewal, The Churning of the Sea of Milk, as described in the Bagavata Purana.
Standing on a lotus base flanked by an attendant and a small figure of
the elephant Nalagiri crouching beside him, wearing a closely fitted sanghati
with his left hand raised holding the tip of his robe, backed by an arched
mandorla with flame border and two stupas flanking his head
