Untitled

Unknown

6th century · Stone · Asian Art

Many of the attributes suggest that this god is Shiva. Unfortunately, other attributes that would lead to a definite identification are lacking. He holds a water pot in his left hand and a fruit—perhaps a pomegranate—in his right and wears a dagger at his waist. However, the flame-shaped mark on his forehead is not a third eye and he does not have an erect phallus. The massiveness of the body and hands seems to indicate a provincial version of the Gupta style practiced in Bihar.

Artist

Unknown

Date

6th century

Medium

Stone

Culture

India (Bihar)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 1993