Standing Male Deity (possibly Shiva)
Many of the attributes suggest that this god is Shiva. Unfortunately, other attributes that would lead to a definite identification are lacking. He holds a water pot in his left hand and a fruit—perhaps a pomegranate—in his right and wears a dagger at his waist. However, the flame-shaped mark on his forehead is not a third eye and he does not have an erect phallus. The massiveness of the body and hands seems to indicate a provincial version of the Gupta style practiced in Bihar.
Artwork Details
- Title: Standing Male Deity (possibly Shiva)
- Period: Gupta period
- Date: 6th century
- Culture: India (Bihar)
- Medium: Stone
- Dimensions: H. 30 in. (76.2 cm); W. 13 in. (33 cm); D. 4 in. (10.2 cm)
On mount, approximate: H. 35 in. (88.9 cm); 14 in. (35.6 cm); D. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm) - Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 1993
- Object Number: 1993.477.4
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
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India (probably Bihar)
late 6th–early 7th century
Eastern India, Bihar, probably Nalanda
7th–early 8th century
Eastern India, Bihar, probably Gaya district
second half of the 9th century
India (Bihar)
early 9th century
India (Bihar)
10th century
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