Untitled

Unknown

7th century · Stone · Asian Art

Shiva manifest in human form emerging from the linga shaft is a celebrated representation of the god that rose to prominence in North India during the fifth century. In this masterful rendering, the handsome face gives a sweet countenance to this complex deity; he displays the third eye of supreme wisdom, wears large ear plugs, and has his wavy hair drawn up into a double-looped chignon decorated by a crescent moon, his signature motif. Incised lines define the phallic glands.

Artist

Unknown

Date

7th century

Medium

Stone

Culture

India (Jammu and Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 1989