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Standing Vishnu

ca. third quarter of the 10th century
Not on view
Vishnu the Preserver is most often portrayed holding the militant attributes that symbolize his protective role. Here he holds a chakra (war discus) in his upper right hand and a shankha (conch battle trumpet) in his upper left. His lower left hand makes the gesture of resting on a gada (mace), while his lower right hand is held in abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The upright prongs at either side of the pedestal originally supported a halo.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Standing Vishnu
  • Period: Chola period (880–1279)
  • Date: ca. third quarter of the 10th century
  • Culture: India (Tamil Nadu)
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 33 3/4 in. (85.7 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Purchase, John D. Rockefeller 3rd Gift, 1962
  • Object Number: 62.265
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Standing Vishnu - India (Tamil Nadu) - Chola period (880–1279) - The Metropolitan Museum of Art