The Mal J Sculptures And 6th Century Art In Western India

The sheer wealth and dizzying diversity of Indian sculpture are celebrated in this second volume of the catalogue raisonn� of the Los Angeles County Museum's collection. Nearly two hundred sculptures produced during eleven centuries are described. Of these, one-quarter of the pieces are part of the Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection, while the remaining three-quarters have been acquired since 1970. This splendid collection, while not representing all the major styles of sculpture that flourished on the Indian subcontinent from 700-1900, is certainly one of the most comprehensive among American and European museums. Included are stone, metal, ivory, and wood sculptures from fourteen states and territories of India and from Pakistan and Afghanistan. Organized by regions--Central and Western, Eastern, and Southern India, and the Northwest--the catalogue contains detailed descriptions and illustrations of the 188 sculptures, many with details or multiple views, for a total of 259 illustrations--251 in duotone and halftone and 8 in color.

The author has traced the history of Indian sculpture chronologically (AD 700-1200) and region wise (Gujarat to Bihar) for understanding stylistic tradition in sequential manner. Early medieval sculpture of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttaranchal, U.P., M.P. and Bihar has been discussed in historical sequence.

The Ashmolean Museum wide ranging collection of the art of the Indian subcontinent includes important holdings of archaeological artefacts and a strong representation of early Indian sculpture in terracotta, stone and other materials dating from before AD 600. These works are fully discussed and illustrated in the present catalogue, with the exception of Buddhist sculpture of the Gandhara region.