A WHITE MARBLE FIGURE OF HARITI, MATHURA, KUSHAN PERIODIndia, 2nd - 3rd century. Carved seated in lalitasana on a pedestal, the hands folded in anjali mudra before the chest. Dressed in loose robes, the face with a subtle smile and almond-shaped eyes, flanked by elongated earlobes, the long hair falling along the back surmounted by a high headdress.Provenance: A French private collection built between ca. 1980 and 2012. Thence by descent.Condition: Good condition,mensurate with age. Extensive wear, signs of weathering and erosion, minor losses, encrustations, remnants of old lacquering and pigment. A small figure of a child was probably carved to her side and is now lost.Weight: 6,396 gDimensions: Height 29.7 cmThe goddess Hariti derives her identity from a story of conversion. In a former lifetime, Hariti took a vow to devour the children of Rajagriha. Upon hearing of her activities, the Buddha concealed Hariti's own dearest child, lured her to him, and convinced her to amend her destructive behavior. To ensure fertility and sustenance, an image of Hariti with a child in her arms is often found in Buddhist monasteries.Auction resultparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Galerie Zacke, Vienna, 16 October 2021, lot 600Price: EUR 6,952 or approx.EUR 7,900 adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A rare marble figure of Hariti, Kushan periodExpert remark:pare the related motif, facial features, and material. Note the size (23.7 cm).