Not currently on display at the V&A

Yantra

18th century-19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Yantras are ritual diagrams which are used to evoke and worship Hindu or Buddhist deities or to allow yogic mediatational practices to be carried out. The concept of the yantra is similar to that of the mandala with a square outer perimeter "guarding" a series of inner circles culminating in the innermost circle, the point of final concentration during meditation.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Copper
Brief description
Yantra, Nepal, 18th-19th century
Physical description
This square three-dimensional yantra is decorated with superimposed geometrical patterns including squares, triangles and circles, some of which are inscribed with Newari text. At the centre of the yantra is a six-pointed star with a triangle in its centre. The star is encircled by two tiers of lotus petals.
Dimensions
  • Length: 9cm
  • Width: 9cm
Credit line
Bequeathed by Oppi Untracht
Object history
Formerly in the collection of Oppi Untracht and acquired by him whilst living in Nepal from 1963-67.
Summary
Yantras are ritual diagrams which are used to evoke and worship Hindu or Buddhist deities or to allow yogic mediatational practices to be carried out. The concept of the yantra is similar to that of the mandala with a square outer perimeter "guarding" a series of inner circles culminating in the innermost circle, the point of final concentration during meditation.
Collection
Accession number
IS.35-2009

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Record createdOctober 20, 2009
Record URL
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