Untitled

Unknown

dated August 12, 1105 · Copper alloy with gilding · Asian Art

This heroic representation of Vishnu wearing an elaborate crown stands on a plinth depicting the donor and his family flanking an auspicious vase of plenty (purnaghata). The dedicatory inscription identifies the donor as a minister of state, names the king he served, Simhadeva, and gives the place and date of dedication. The date coincides with Vishnu’s awakening after his annual four-month slumber, marking the end of the monsoon— an auspicious day to make a religious donation.

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated August 12, 1105

Medium

Copper alloy with gilding

Culture

Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Louis V. Bell, Harris Brisbane Dick, Fletcher, and Rogers Funds and Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, Brooke Russell Astor Bequest, The Vincent Astor Foundation and Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Chilton Jr. Gifts, and The Fred Eychaner Charitable Fund Gift, in honor of John Guy, 2015