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Yakshas Relief

8th–9th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 252
Two bearded yakshas crouch in a rocky landscape, marking the threshold between the revealed world and the subterranean underworld, of which they are the gatekeepers and guardians. Yakshas—here with deeply furrowed brows, long braids of hair piled in a topknot, and large globular earrings and bracelets—are typically represented as obese dwarfs and are renowned for their mischievous and malevolent nature if not appeased. This panel likely functioned as a caryatid supporting a pillar of a Licchavi-period religious structure, a shrine, or pavilion (mandapa).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Yakshas Relief
  • Period: Licchavi period
  • Date: 8th–9th century
  • Culture: Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, possibly Deopatan
  • Medium: Stone
  • Dimensions: H. 10 5/8 in. (27 cm); W. 20 1/2 in. (52 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Jack Naiman Gift, 1986
  • Object Number: 1986.259
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

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The Bodhisattva Manjushri as a Ferocious Destroyer of Ignorance, Gilt-copper alloy with color and gold paint, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
The Bodhisattva Manjushri as a Ferocious Destroyer of Ignorance
Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
10th century
Yaksha Relief, Stone, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, possibly Deopatan
Yaksha Relief
Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, possibly Deopatan
8th–9th century
Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, Copper alloy, Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)
Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion
Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)
10th century
Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, Gilt-copper alloy, Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)
Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion
Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)
10th century
The Bodhisattva Manjushri as a Youth, Copper alloy, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
The Bodhisattva Manjushri as a Youth
Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
10th century

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