Garuda
Figure
pre 17th century (made)
pre 17th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Garuda, the half-man and half-eagle drawn from Hindu mythology, is frequently depicted in Tibetan art. In both Hindu and later Tibetan Buddhist mythology he is the representative of the sky and air energies and wages unceasing war on the water spirits whom he often grasps in his mouth. In this guise he may be regarded as a protective deity guarding against illness brought on by the water spirits.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Garuda |
| Materials and techniques | Carved wood, lacquered, gilded and painted |
| Brief description | Garuda, winged figure, carved wood, lacquer, gilt, painted, Tibet, pre 17th century. |
| Physical description | Winged figure of Garuda, carved wood with remains of lacquer, gilt and pigment. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Credit line | Purchased from J.C. Stevens |
| Object history | Purchased from J.C. Stevens, 38 King Street, Covent Garden. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project. RP 1910- 2009M |
| Historical context | Acquired during the British Expedition to Lhasa in 1904. |
| Summary | Garuda, the half-man and half-eagle drawn from Hindu mythology, is frequently depicted in Tibetan art. In both Hindu and later Tibetan Buddhist mythology he is the representative of the sky and air energies and wages unceasing war on the water spirits whom he often grasps in his mouth. In this guise he may be regarded as a protective deity guarding against illness brought on by the water spirits. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IM.24-1910 |
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| Record created | December 20, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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