Vishnu Caturmurti
Figure
late 8th century-9th century (made)
late 8th century-9th century (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Vishnu in his four-fold aspect, Caturmurti. Three aspects of Vishnu are represented on the front: the human form and the lion and boar personifications, crowned and sharing a single aureole. On the reverse is carved in low relief his demonic rakshasa manifestation.
The figure is naturalistically carved with elements of the anatomy clearly deliniated. Rich jewellery and floral garlands adorn the figure and the lower garments are layered and folded in a complex configuration. Vishnu wears a splendidly elaborate three-lobed crown and the hilt of a dagger protrudes from the waist sash. The elaborate lotus flower is intact.
The figure is naturalistically carved with elements of the anatomy clearly deliniated. Rich jewellery and floral garlands adorn the figure and the lower garments are layered and folded in a complex configuration. Vishnu wears a splendidly elaborate three-lobed crown and the hilt of a dagger protrudes from the waist sash. The elaborate lotus flower is intact.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Vishnu Caturmurti (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Black basalt |
Brief description | Vishnu Caturmurti |
Physical description | Vishnu in his four-fold aspect, Caturmurti. Three aspects of Vishnu are represented on the front: the human form and the lion and boar personifications, crowned and sharing a single aureole. On the reverse is carved in low relief his demonic rakshasa manifestation. The figure is naturalistically carved with elements of the anatomy clearly deliniated. Rich jewellery and floral garlands adorn the figure and the lower garments are layered and folded in a complex configuration. Vishnu wears a splendidly elaborate three-lobed crown and the hilt of a dagger protrudes from the waist sash. The elaborate lotus flower is intact. |
Dimensions |
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Object history | Bought from Dr. Henry Ginsburg for £6000. |
Historical context | Sculptural representations of Vishnu Caturmurti exist throughout northern India but is most characteristic of the Kashmir region where it assumed a prominent position in the Hindu pantheon. |
Production | Kashmir, North India, Karkota period. |
Subject depicted | |
Collection | |
Accession number | IS.25-1987 |
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Record created | September 5, 2002 |
Record URL |
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