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Vishnu

dated August 12, 1105
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 252
This heroic representation of Vishnu wearing an elaborate crown stands on a plinth depicting the donor and his family flanking an auspicious vase of plenty (purnaghata). The dedicatory inscription identifies the donor as a minister of state, names the king he served, Simhadeva, and gives the place and date of dedication. The date coincides with Vishnu’s awakening after his annual four-month slumber, marking the end of the monsoon— an auspicious day to make a religious donation.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Vishnu
  • Period: Thakuri period
  • Date: dated August 12, 1105
  • Culture: Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)
  • Medium: Copper alloy with gilding
  • Dimensions: H. 16 7/8 in. (42.9 cm); W. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm); D. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Louis V. Bell, Harris Brisbane Dick, Fletcher, and Rogers Funds and Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, Brooke Russell Astor Bequest, The Vincent Astor Foundation and Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Chilton Jr. Gifts, and The Fred Eychaner Charitable Fund Gift, in honor of John Guy, 2015
  • Object Number: 2015.678
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

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The Bodhisattva Padmapani Lokeshvara, Copper alloy with gilding and semiprecious stones, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
The Bodhisattva Padmapani Lokeshvara
Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
11th–12th century
Tara, the Buddhist Savior, Gilt copper alloy with color and semiprecious stone inlay, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
Tara, the Buddhist Savior
Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
14th century
Shiva Seated with Parvati, Copper alloy, Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)
Shiva Seated with Parvati
Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)
11th century
The Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, Copper alloy with gilding and color, Nepal
The Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future
Nepal
11th century
Vishnu Riding on Garuda, Gilt copper repoussé, Nepal
Vishnu Riding on Garuda
Nepal
dated 1004

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