Untitled

Unknown

13th century · Copper alloy · Asian Art

This elaborate openwork handle for a ritual vessel is composed of a five intertwined nagas, snake deities charged with the protection of the earth’s waters and its riches. The nagas appear with human torsos, snake hoods, jewels, crowns, and extended snakes bodies. As this handle likely formed part of vessel for ritual lustration, naga imagery would be highly propitious.

Artist

Unknown

Date

13th century

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Perry J. Lewis Gift, 1990