Torana with Garuda attacking a Naga and a Nagini

Physical description

TORANA WITH GARUDA ATTACKING A NAGA AND NAGINI: These reliefs would have been found in the central motif to a decorative panel (torana) above an entrance to a temple or above a large metal image itself.
The Torana (overpiece) is in thrre parts. The central figure of a flying Garuda, who holds in his claws the leg of a floating Naga and Nagini. The lateer are overshadowed by three-headed Cobras: they have each four arms. With one hand each grasps a leg of the Garuda, with two hands they hold jewel-symbols and with the fourth they make the Abhays mudra before the breast. Around them is rich foliate ornaments partly in openwork.

Place of Origin

Nepal (made)

Date

1550-1600 (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Repoussé copper, with gilding and paint, set with turquoise, rock crystal and semi-precious stones

Dimensions

Height: 23.3 cm, Length: 38 cm

Descriptive line

Torana with a Garuda attacking a Naga and a Nagini, repousse copper with gilding and paint, set with turquoise, rock crystal and semi-precious stones, Nepal, 1550-1600, Malla period

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

PUBLISHED, G. Beguin, Dieux et Demons de l'Himalaya, Paris, Musees Nationaux, 1977, cat. no.95

Labels and date

TORANA WITH GARUDA ATTACKING A NAGA AND NAGINI: These reliefs would have found the central motif to a decorative panel (torana) above an entrance to a temple or private enclosure. The Garuda is a favourite subject in Nepalese art, and is traditionally represented engaged in mortal combat with his natural enemies, the nagas. The Garuda's claws can be seen gripping the naga and his companion, the Nagini. The group with its flamboyant open scroll work shows Newari metal figure working skills at its best. [Nehru Gallery 47A 2001]

Materials

Gold; Copper

Techniques

Repoussé; Fire gilding

Subjects depicted

Hindu; Garuda

Categories

Metalwork; Hinduism

Collection code

SSEA