Object Description
Large antique Indian carved marble lintel
Indian, 18th Century
Height 83cm, width 170cm, depth 22cm
Finely carved in white marble, this sculpture is a wonderful example of Indian Buddhist sculpture. It portrays a Dharma wheel with two deer either side, which is a common composition in Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan Buddhist architecture.
The Dharma wheel, a common motif in Buddhist art, is often used as a decoration in temples, representing the Buddha’s teaching and the universal moral order. The deer reference Buddha’s first teaching in the Deer Park, Sarnath, as well as symbolising harmony, happiness, peace and longevity.
The sculpture is designed to adorn a building, often above the lintel of a doorway, particularly on temples or government buildings.