AN IVORY FIGURE OF KRISHNA VENUGOPALA, PLAYING THE FLUTE India, 16^th-17^th century. Carved standing, his arms raised to the side to play the flute, the wavy hair cascading down the back and surmounted by a high chignon, adorned with beaded jewelry, a scarf wrapped around his arms, the face with a calm expression marked by almond-shaped eyes and full lips.

Provenance: French trade. By repute from an old private estate in Paris.
Condition: Extensive natural wear. Some losses, expected minor age cracks, small chips, minuscule nicks. Remarkably beautiful honey-brown patina, grown naturally through centuries of worship and handling.

Weight: 25.2 g
Dimensions: Height 7.8 cm

Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0437).

Literature comparison:
Compare a related ivory figure depicting Krishna as butter thief, dated to 16^th century, India, Karnataka, Mysore, in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), accession number M.84.34.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby's New York, 24 March 2011, lot 101
Price: USD 60,000 or approx. EUR 77,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: Krishna Venugopala, ivory, South India
Expert remark: Compare the closely related pose and similar decorations. Note the considerably larger size (20 cm). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.