Uma-Mahesvara
Figure Group
10th century (made)
10th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This sculpture depicts Uma-Mahesvara, also referred to as Parvati and Shiva. They are both seen here seated in the relaxed lalitasana posture on top of a cushion-throne, over which a tiger skin has been draped. Shiva holds Parvati's waist with his lower left hand, whilst his two right hands are poised in the gesture of vitarkamudra,which signifies teaching or intellectual discussion. His fourth hand would have originally held a trisula or trident, this is now however missing.
Amongst Shiva's iconographic attributes are the crescent moon and human skull, these are set on either side of his headdress within the folds of his uncut matted hair. Alongside Shiva sits Nandi, who is his bull vahana or vehicle.
Amongst Shiva's iconographic attributes are the crescent moon and human skull, these are set on either side of his headdress within the folds of his uncut matted hair. Alongside Shiva sits Nandi, who is his bull vahana or vehicle.
Object details
| Object type | |
| Title | Uma-Mahesvara (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Copper with gilding and precious stone inlay |
| Brief description | A copper sculpture of the divine couple (Uma-Mahesvara) with gilding and precious stone inlay. Produced in Nepal during the 10th century. |
| Physical description | This sculpture depicts Uma-Mahesvara, also referred to as Parvati and Shiva. They are both seen here seated in the relaxed lalitasana posture on top of a cushion-throne, over which a tiger skin has been draped. Shiva holds Parvati's waist with his lower left hand, whilst his two right hands are poised in the gesture of vitarkamudra,which signifies teaching or intellectual discussion. His fourth hand would have originally held a trisula or trident, this is now however missing. Amongst Shiva's iconographic attributes are the crescent moon and human skull, these are set on either side of his headdress within the folds of his uncut matted hair. Alongside Shiva sits Nandi, who is his bull vahana or vehicle. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label |
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| Object history | The subject of this sculpture is known as Uma-Mahesvara. It was the most popular Hindu theme within Nepalese sculpture, examples produced in stone survive from the late 6th century. |
| Production | Kathmandu Valley, Nepal |
| Subject depicted | |
| Bibliographic reference | Guy, John: 'Indian Temple Sculpture', London, V & A Publication, 2007, p.145, pl.163.
ISBN 9781851775095. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.54-1985 |
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| Record created | September 18, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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