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Shiva

Poster
ca. 1998 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Popular prints such as this are sold outside temples to pilgrims. They are souvenirs of their visit and can be placed inside shrines within the pilgrim’s home.

This print is of the Hindu god Shiva.


Object details

Category
Object type
TitleShiva (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Ink printed on paper.
Brief description
Hindu religious poster depicting mythological subject, India, ca. 1998.
Physical description
Popular poster depicting Shiva, the Hindu God of destruction and creation, seated with the Himalayas and Mount Kailash in the background.
The characteristic attributes through which Shiva can be identified and which can be seen in this print are:
1. Vertical third eye.
2. The three horizontal stripes on his forehead.
3. Trident (Trisula), symbol of power.
4. Mendicant's bowl.
5. Shiva's mount, the bull nandi is behind Shiva's right side.
6. Tiger skin, in this print he is seated on it.
7. The cobras round his neck and arms.
8. The Crescent moon, on his forehead.
9. Matted hair (jata).
10. The fountain from the top of his head shown here from the mouth of the Goddess Ganga signifying the sacred river Ganga.
11. Prayer beads strung round his neck and arms with the right hand in a blessing gesture.
Dimensions
  • Height: 46cm
  • Width: 32.5cm
Production typeMass produced
Credit line
Given by Mr Frank Monaco
Production
Bought near the temple at Rameshwaram
Subject depicted
Place depicted
Summary
Popular prints such as this are sold outside temples to pilgrims. They are souvenirs of their visit and can be placed inside shrines within the pilgrim’s home.

This print is of the Hindu god Shiva.
Bibliographic reference
Vassilis G. Vitsaxis: Hindu Epics, Myths and Legends in Popular Illustrations
Other number
JB 644 - Printer's mark
Collection
Accession number
IS.54-1999

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Record createdNovember 9, 1999
Record URL
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