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Standing Visnu

Artist Culture
Indian
Dynasty
Chola dynasty, c.860–1279
Date
11th century
Material
Bronze
Classification
Metalwork, sculpture
Current Location
On View, Gallery 224
Dimensions
height: 17 5/8 in. (44.8 cm)
width: 7 in. (17.8 cm)
depth: 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm)
width of base rim: 6 3/8 in. (16.2 cm)
depth of base rim: 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm)
weight: 13 lb. 10.7 oz. (6.2 kg)
Credit Line
Museum Purchase
Rights
Contact Us
Object Number
2:1964
NOTES
This four-armed figure of the Hindu god Vishnu, Preserver of the Universe, is shown with standard attributes. The upper right hand holds the flaming wheel (chakra) symbolizing the purified, spiritualized mind, while the upper left hand holds the conch (sankha) with which Vishnu raises a deafening noise to terrify his enemies. The lower right hand is in the “fear not” (abhaya mudra) position. The figure wears an elaborate cylindrical crown (kirita makuta). The striped lower garment is worn with girdle and sash, the former with tassels extending between the legs, and the latter with projecting bows at the hips. The figure stands on a circular lotus pedestal cast in one piece with a square base that would have supported an arched surround (torana).