Goddess of Dance (Nrtyadevi)

16th century

Not on view

Restituted

This artwork was restituted in June 2026. It is no longer in the museum’s collection.

Polychromed wood sculpture from at least the tenth century survives in Nepal, in the form of both independent sculptures and architectural elements. This dancer, likely one of a pair, is a form of a Buddhist savior, a counterpart to such popular bodhisattvas as Avalokiteshvara in the form of Cintamani Lokeshvara, the wish-fulfilling jewel bearer. This goddess gestures with her lower hand, evoking her boon-granting power.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Goddess of Dance (Nrtyadevi)
Period: Malla period
Date: 16th century
Culture: Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
Medium: Wood with pigment
Dimensions: H. incl. base 33 in. (83.8 cm); W. 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm); D. 9 in. (22.9 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Zimmerman Family Collection, Gift of the Zimmerman Family, 2016
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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In the same medium

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Vajracarya Priest's Crown, Copper, gold, turquoise, semi-precious stones, silver foil, Nepalese — Vajracarya Priest's Crown
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Female portrait lü me (figure in wood), Zlan of Belewale, Wood, fiber, pigment, cloth, metal, Dan peoples — Female portrait lü me (figure in wood)
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First half 20th century

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Abelam people
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