Two deities on a swing between toddy trees

Object Details

• Description

  The object consists of a number of parts and entails two tree forms connected by a horizontal pole from which two figures on swings are suspended. The trees bear additional figures depicting humans, monkeys, and bird; at the base of the trees, four flat metal tabs in a cruciform pattern serve as supports. The surface of the objects is dark brown generally, but bright brassy metal can be seen in a few spots.

  LRN 3476

• Provenance

  At least from early 20th century-?

  Ownership information unknown

  ?-1997

  Leo S. Figiel, M.D. (1918-2013), method of acquisition unknown [1]

  From 1997

  Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Leo S. Figiel, M.D. [2]

  Notes:

  [1] See letter from Leo S. Figiel, M.D., to Vidya Dehejia, dated December 7, 1997, copy in object folder.

  Leo S. Figiel, M.D. (1918-2013) collected Islamic, Chinese, and Indian art. Notably his collection of Indian art included metal and stone sculptures, Mughal arms, and paintings. Born in Michigan, Dr. Figiel was also a scholar specializing in Indian art and published several books on the topic. In 1998, he sold his collection of Mughal arms at Butterfield and Butterfield in San Francisco, CA. Works from his collection may also be found at the Denver Art Museum; the Los Angeles Museum of Art; the University of Michigan Museum in Ann Arbor, MI; Detroit Institute of Arts; and the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL.

  [2] See Arthur M. Sackler, “Acquisition Consideration Form,” approved on December 31, 1997, copy in object file. Object is described as “Two trees that support two figures on a swing.”

  See “Deed of Gift to the Arthur M. Sacker Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution,” dated January 12, 1998, copy in object file.

  Research updated June 20, 2023

• Collection

  National Museum of Asian Art Collection

• Previous custodian or owner

  Dr. Leo S. Figiel (1918-2013)

• Origin

  India

• Credit Line

  Gift of Dr. Leo Figiel

• Type

  Sculpture

• Restrictions and Rights

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1900s, 1970s

• Name

  Figiel, Leo S.

• Place

  India

• Topic

  Trees, South Asian and Himalayan Art, Art, Animals, Men, Birds, Monkeys, Metal-work

• Culture

  Himalayan peoples, South Asians

• Object Type

  Sculpture