Shiva and Parvati with their Sons Karttikeya and Ganesha and the Calf Bull

India (Jammu and Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir)

9th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 237

A devotee used this charming rendering of the Shiva family assembled on a single pedestal for worship, likely in a private chapel. Shiva holds a rosary (aksamala) and flask; his wife, Parvati, a mirror. Both are crowned and jeweled as if Kashmiri monarchs. Shiva’s calf bull Vrsabha nuzzles close to his lord, and the couple’s two children flank the ensemble.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Shiva and Parvati with their Sons Karttikeya and Ganesha and the Calf Bull
Date: 9th century
Culture: India (Jammu and Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir)
Medium: Stone
Dimensions: H. 11 in. (28 cm); W. 6 3/8 in. (16.2 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Gift of Michael and Georgia de Havenon, 1989
Object Number: 1989.362
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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