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Rahula

15th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Rahula is a fearsome god in Indo-Tibetan astrology who causes eclipses by devouring the sun, moon, and planets. His nine heads correspond to the nine planets and to different calamitous events like hailstorms. Rahula’s imagery conflates features of Indic celestial deities: he has a serpent’s tail like the comet divinity Ketu and a body covered with a thousand eyes like Indra, lord of storms. The style of this sculpture resembles the renowned metalwork of the Densatil monastery.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Rahula
  • Date: 15th century
  • Culture: Tibet
  • Medium: Gilt copper alloy, turquoise, and coral
  • Dimensions: H. 12 3/8 in. (31.4 cm); W. 6 in. (15.2 cm); D. 10 in. (25.4 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Lent by the Rubin Museum of Art, New York
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art