Toy in the form of a makara
The makara—a mythical aquatic creature that is part crocodile, part fish—served as a vehicle for nature deities in early Buddhist art. This clay model was once wheeled, perhaps as a child’s toy. Some versions may have been placed near rivers to ensure protection from aquatic dangers.
Artwork Details
- Title: Toy in the form of a makara
- Period: Shunga
- Date: 2nd–1st century BCE
- Culture: India, Uttar Pradesh, probably Kaushambi
- Medium: Terracotta
- Dimensions: H. 3 in. (7.6 cm); W. 2 7/8 in. (7. 3 cm); L. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund, by exchange, 2010
- Object Number: 2010.207
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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