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 |
|
| 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 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | September 5, 2002 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
