Yaksha Relief

Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, possibly Deopatan

8th–9th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 252

Yakshas are nature deities venerated in the subcontinent since antiquity. In Buddhism they served as guardians of the underworld’s treasures. They are typically represented as obese dwarfs and are renowned for their mischievous and malevolent nature if not appeased. Here a bearded figure with a deeply furrowed brow, a headband, and jewelry squats in a rocky grotto. The stylized rock formations rendered in perspective derive from northern India conventions exemplified in the sixth-century mural painting at Ajanta. This panel likely functioned as a caryatid supporting a pillar of a Licchavi-period religious structure, a shrine, or pavilion (mandapa).

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Yaksha Relief
Period: Licchavi period
Date: 8th–9th century
Culture: Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, possibly Deopatan
Medium: Stone
Dimensions: H. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm); W. 18 1/2 in. (47 cm); D. 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchase, The Christian Humann Foundation Gift, 1991
Object Number: 1991.44
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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