Ganesha

China, Xinjiang, Pialma (75 km west of Khotan)

6th–7th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 251

This architectural fragment is one of a small group of early Ganesha images found around the important Silk Road trading center of Khotan in Central Asia. Meeting the worshipper’s gaze with expressive human eyes, it is clear this is no mere elephant, but a god.

The presence of a Hindu deity in a mostly Buddhist kingdom reveals how the religion spread along trade routes. For travelers traversing the long and arduous Silk Road, how appropriate to pay homage to this remover of obstacles and bringer of wealth and abundance.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Ganesha
Date: 6th–7th century
Culture: China, Xinjiang, Pialma (75 km west of Khotan)
Medium: Stucco with traces of color
Dimensions: 5 1/2 x 5 in. (14 x 12.7 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1930
Object Number: 30.32.24
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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