371, Lot: 1281. Estimate $1000. Sold for $600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Wooden shrine of the Durga Mahishasuramardini. Southern Asia, circa 18th century AD. Hand carved shrine with central panel depiciting Durga slaying the Mahishasura (buffalo demon): the goddess spears the kneeling figure, emerging from the neck of the vanquished buffalo (the animal’s head is visible in the lower central panel); he is attacked by Durga’s lion, whom the goddess rests her right foot on, as he attempts to unsheath his sword. The central panel is surmounted by an arched cornice and rests on a base with a frieze of seven buffalo heads. Height: approx. 44.5cm (17.5in). Large split at base, smaller chips and cracks elsewhere. A number of ornamental inserts at the top are missing.