ticketsMember | Make a donation

Dancing Ganesha

18th–19th century
Not on view
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
Like other Vajrayana deities, Ganesha in his wrathful manifestation dances within a ring of flames and holds ritual implements such as the skull bowl and vajra, along with weapons, ritual staff, fly whisk, and elephant goad. Smaller figures of Ganesha and Jambhala (God of Wealth) emphasize his association with good fortune and abundance. The black ground format—reserved for Buddhist protector figures—fits with Ganesha’s role as a remover of obstacles. This form of Ganesha was regarded as an emanation of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion who removes the obstacle of false perception.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Dancing Ganesha
  • Date: 18th–19th century
  • Culture: Mongolia
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting: 15 × 11 3/4 in. (38.1 × 29.8 cm)
    Mat: 22 × 16 in. (55.9 × 40.6 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Lent by Steven Kossak, The Kronos Collections
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art