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Rukmini

Sculpture
14th Century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

A female figure standing in a flexed pose, rather crudely approximating to the thrice-bent or tribhanga pose. The right hand is in kataka mudra; the left arm is extended in lola hasta (the hand now missing),The hair is dressed into a neat circular bun (kesabandha). The lower garment is worn with girdle and sash, the latter hanging in a loop at the front and tied in bows at the hips. Other details include a channavira-type harness, breastband (kucha-bandha), and patra-kundala ear pendants. The figure is fixed to a squat lotus pedestal which is in turn fixed to a thin rectangular plaque, the latter intended to fit into a base made for a group of images (probably Krishna in the centre; Rukmini on his left, and his second consort Satyabhama on his right).
There is little to distinguish Rukmini from Sri Devi (of whom she is regarded as an incarnation), except that Rukmini has her hair tied in a bun instead of wearing a coronet.


Object details

Object type
TitleRukmini (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Solid cast copper alloy
Brief description
Standing figure of Rukmini, bronze, 14th century, Tamil Nadu.
Physical description
A female figure standing in a flexed pose, rather crudely approximating to the thrice-bent or tribhanga pose. The right hand is in kataka mudra; the left arm is extended in lola hasta (the hand now missing),The hair is dressed into a neat circular bun (kesabandha). The lower garment is worn with girdle and sash, the latter hanging in a loop at the front and tied in bows at the hips. Other details include a channavira-type harness, breastband (kucha-bandha), and patra-kundala ear pendants. The figure is fixed to a squat lotus pedestal which is in turn fixed to a thin rectangular plaque, the latter intended to fit into a base made for a group of images (probably Krishna in the centre; Rukmini on his left, and his second consort Satyabhama on his right).
There is little to distinguish Rukmini from Sri Devi (of whom she is regarded as an incarnation), except that Rukmini has her hair tied in a bun instead of wearing a coronet.
Dimensions
  • Height: 41cm
  • Width: 18.5cm
  • Depth: 15cm (Note: including hair bun, which protrudes beyond the end of the base.)
Subject depicted
Bibliographic reference
K.N.Sitaram, " Indian Bronzes," Connoisseur, Vol.LXIX, 1924, p.93.
Collection
Accession number
IPN.2567

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Record createdOctober 18, 2001
Record URL
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