Hiranyakashipu, The Demon-King
This version of the crowned demon-king, fanged to denote his demonic nature, is missing its decorative appendages. In some renditions of temple dramas, the characters, with the notable exception of Narasimha, are represented twice on stage. On this work, the fine detailing of the conical crown and jeweled diadem are clearly legible.
Artwork Details
- Title: Hiranyakashipu, The Demon-King
- Date: ca. 1700–1750
- Culture: Southern India, Tamil Nadu, probably Thanjavur district
- Medium: Wood with cloth and polychrome
- Dimensions: H. 20 in. (50.8 cm); W. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); D. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift and The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Foundation Fund, 2015
- Object Number: 2015.255.3
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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