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Table of Contents
a pilot project
by Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust
CARVED ROOF STRUTS
1. KATHMANDU, ITUM BAHA.
KESH CHANDRA MAHAVIHAR
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Item
stolen:
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Three carved, wooden roof struts |
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Date
of theft:
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1984/85. Reference: Jürgen Schick. The Gods are leaving the Country. Art Theft from Nepal. Revised English Edition. Transl. By Philip H. Pierce. Bangkok: Orchid Press, 1988. p.107. |
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Specifications:
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All struts approximately: Height: 6'-0" Width: 0'-9" |
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Description:
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The general motif of the struts is the Salabhañjika, a tree-nymph. "Buddhist Art adopted the motif of the Salabhañjika reaching above her head into the trees to represent Maya, the mother of Prince Siddharta: she gives birth to her son while standing and supporting herself by reaching up with one arm into the Sala tree above her head." In: Heimo Rau, Workshops of Traditional Newar Woodcarving in: Journal of the Nepal Research Center, Vol. VII 1985, p.144. |
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Location:
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Itum Baha, principal courtyard, east elevation, second floor. |
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Building
Date:
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11/12th c. |
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References:
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"Itum Baha is one of the largest and oldest of
the baha complexes in Kathmandu...... Off the western part of the
courtyard are three subsidiary baha courtyards. The entire complex
makes up Itum Baha, but Itum Baha proper is the second subsidiary
courtyard......The most exquisite pieces in the courtyard are three
carved wooden struts supporting the roof of the main entryway.... They can probably dated to the thirteenth century or earlier." In: John K. Locke, S.J. Buddhist Monasteries of Nepal. Kathmandu: Sahayogi Press Pvt. Ltd.1985. p. 284/285. Slusser dates the struts to the late eleventh or twelfth century" in: Mary Shepherd Slusser, Nepal Mandala. Vol. I, p.184. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1982. |
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Other:
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Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust is currently rallying support for the preservation of the significant monastery, included in World Monuments Watch, List of hundred most endangered sites, 2000. |
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Photos:
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Mary Sheperd Slusser, 1969. (photos1&3) Jürgen Schick, 1983. (photo 2) |
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Salabhañjika, “Reaching with her right hand into the branches, she carries a child on her right hip. With her left hand she appears to be arranging her hair. Standing on a bearded Yaksa.” (RAU, p.148, 1.)
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Salabhañjika, “ Reaching with her left hand into the branches, her right hand is broken off. Standing on a Yaksi.” (RAU, p.148, 2.)
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Salabhañjika, "Reaching with her left hand into the branches of a Mango tree, right hand raised and taking leaves, standing on a bearded Yaksa who is turning toward the front." (RAU, p.149, 3.)
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