Untitled

Unknown

ca. third quarter of the 10th century · Copper alloy · Asian Art

Vishnu the Preserver is most often portrayed holding the militant attributes that symbolize his protective role. Here he holds a chakra (war discus) in his upper right hand and a shankha (conch battle trumpet) in his upper left. His lower left hand makes the gesture of resting on a gada (mace), while his lower right hand is held in abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The upright prongs at either side of the pedestal originally supported a halo.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. third quarter of the 10th century

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

India (Tamil Nadu)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, John D. Rockefeller 3rd Gift, 1962