Vishnu enthroned
Kerala to Hindus is the land of Vishnu and the lush coastal region of southwest India is rich in temples dedicated to him. Vishnu is represented in this diminutive silver icon standing in majesty, radiating divine authority. Posed grandly upon a lotus pedestal, he displays in his four arms his standard iconographic devices, the conch (shanka) and discus (chakra), both emitting flames, held in the upper hands, and the battle club (gada) and open flower in his lower hands. Three of these attributes are associated with warfare, two weapons and war trumpet. Befitting his martial demeanor, his muscular physique radiates power—a warrior god ready to rise up in defense of the faithful.
Artwork Details
- Title: Vishnu enthroned
- Date: late 18th–19th century
- Culture: India, Kerala
- Medium: Silver
- Dimensions: H. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm); W. 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm); D. 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2025
- Object Number: 2025.522a, b
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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