Yakshas Relief
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
- 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
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.