Untitled

Unknown

ca. 15th century · Silk embroidery on polished cotton · Asian Art

This remarkably fine Nepalese panel is a rare survivor of an important genre of textile art featuring figurative embroidery. It was likely part of a garment worn by Vaishnava priests officiating major acts of worship. The central field contains dramatic battle scenes: At the top, Ravana rides in his six-wheeled makara-drawn chariot. Below, the heroic triad of Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman battle a white demon, possibly Ravana’s brother, the giant Kumbhakarna (presumably also represented in the chariot above).

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 15th century

Medium

Silk embroidery on polished cotton

Culture

Nepal

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1995