carved ivory with vestiges of red paint, designed as a rampant yali issuing delicately rendered ornate vegetation from its mouth, lotus flower support to front and sides, on a curved bracket with a small image of Ganesha to one side, the top with a larger carving of Saraswati (Hindu Goddess of knowledge, music, art and science) playing a type of veena, the back with arches enclosing palmettes with old collector's number in red 'L.81.57' underneath, on bespoke mount

Ex-collection Kaywin Lehman Smith, New York.
Ex-collection Pierre Jourdan-Barry, Paris (1926-2016).

Indian and South East Asian Ivories, Brooklyn Museum, 2 October- 31 December 1982, cat.no.16.

In sections, some of which appear to have been reconsolidated with adhesive, Some of original metal pins now oxidised, some missing, small chips to few of extremities (notably above left-hand eye), stylised flowers on each side, traces of red paint, reverse with remnants of adhesive and small black compound, set on a custom stand, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Rampant yalis are a feature of Orissan and South Indian temple architecture and decoration. Besides the subject matter, the style in which this yali has been carved and the treatment of other elements of decoration point to Orissa as the centre of production. The present yali can be compared to the ivory carvings of Krishna and Radha from Orissa in the National Museum in New Delhi in their intricate detailing. Dwivedi dates these ivories to the late seventeenth century based on similarities with Orissan manuscript decoration, therefore it is likely that the present yali dates from this period too (Dwivedi 1976, p. 119, pl. 101 & Tardy 1977, p. 157 nos 9 & 10). The rudra vina or vin is a large plucked stringed instrument used in Indian classical music. As the most prestigious court instrument until the nineteenth century, rudra vinas were exceptionally well made objects and this tailpiece suggests that the instrument it came from, whilst smaller than other examples, was no exception.