Karttikeya-Skanda

ca. 1st century BCE
Not on view
This terracotta likely served as an image for personal devotion. It depicts a male figure thrusting his arm skyward, releasing cascades of flowers evocative of imagery in which a Dharma-king brings forth golden coins from the sky. The harpoon spear identifies him as the early warrior god Karttikeya, son of Shiva.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Karttikeya-Skanda
  • Period: Shunga
  • Date: ca. 1st century BCE
  • Culture: India, Gangetic region, north India
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: H. 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm); W. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 in.); D. 1 in. (2.5 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Lent by a private collection
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Karttikeya-Skanda - India, Gangetic region, north India - Shunga - The Metropolitan Museum of Art