Shiva Seated with Parvati

11th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 252
The paring of Shiva and his wife, Parvati, as the divine couple known as Umamaheshvara, is a popular image in Shaivism. In this ensemble, the couple’s gestures and gently flexing torsos create a mood of great tenderness. They are alone, without Shiva’s calf-bull or their children Skanda and Ganesha, who are often represented.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Shiva Seated with Parvati
  • Period: Thakuri period
  • Date: 11th century
  • Culture: Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 10 1/4 in. (26 cm); W. 11 in. (27.9 cm); D. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Samuel Eilenberg Collection, Ex Coll.: Columbia University, Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1987
  • Object Number: 1987.218.1
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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