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Vishnu

10th–11th century
Not on view
Vishnu as the divine protector and preserver of order assumes a symmetrical posture, his four arms counter-balancing one another as he displays his martial kingly attributes: war discus, battle club, and conch-shell trumpet. His fourth hands holds the sphere denoting the earth goddess. He wears a tripartite crown, the central lobe displaying a lion face, a legacy of north Indian Gupta conventions of royal imagery.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Vishnu
  • Period: Thakuri period
  • Date: 10th–11th century
  • Culture: Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)
  • Medium: Gilt-copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); W. 5 in. (12.7 cm); D. 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Evelyn Kossak, The Kronos Collections, 1986
  • Object Number: 1986.501.8
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
Buddha Seated in Meditation, Copper alloy with gilding, Sri Lanka. western regions
Sri Lanka. western regions
16th century
The Bodhisattva Manjushri as a Ferocious Destroyer of Ignorance, Gilt-copper alloy with color and gold paint, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
10th century
Buddha, Copper alloy with gilding, Sri Lanka, Kandy district
Sri Lanka, Kandy district
18th century
The Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, Copper alloy with gilding and color, Nepal
Nepal
11th century
Enthroned Buddha Granting Boons, Gilt brass with silver and copper inlay, Pakistan (Gilgit Kingdom)
Pakistan (Gilgit Kingdom)
dated by inscription to ca. 600

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