Two deities on a swing between toddy trees

Detail of a pattern
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At A Glance

  • Period

    20th century
  • Geography

    India
  • Material

    Brass
  • Dimension

    H x W x D: 36.5 x 40.6 x 12.7 cm (14 3/8 x 16 x 5 in)
  • Accession Number

    S1997.139a-c
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_S1997.139a-c

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

    Usage Conditions Apply

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