Indra, Lord of Storms and King of the Gods' Realm

Gallery 325, Asian Art, third floor (Imasogie Gallery)

Main Building

Indra, Lord of Storms and King of the Gods' Realm

c. 1200

Artist/maker unknown, Nepalese

Indra, an ancient deity who reigns over the heaven of the gods in Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain mythology, is distinguished by his horizontal third eye. Indra is particularly popular in Nepal, among both Buddhists and Hindus. Here the god wears a close-fitting lower garment incised with subtle floral decorations. The modeling of the sculpture is similar to works made in northeastern India under the Pala and Sena dynasties (about ninth through twelfth centuries). This stylistic resonance reflects the frequent interaction between India and Nepal through Buddhist and Hindu artisans and pilgrims.

Gallery 325, Asian Art, third floor (Imasogie Gallery)

Object Details

Title:

Indra, Lord of Storms and King of the Gods' Realm

Date:

c. 1200

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Nepalese

Medium:

Mercury-gilded copper alloy with spinel rubies, rock crystal, and turquoise

Dimensions:

15 7/8 × 9 3/4 × 8 1/2 inches (40.3 × 24.8 × 21.6 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994

Accession Number:

1994-148-596

Geography:

Made in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Malla Dynasty (1200-1769) Period: Medieval Period (c. 600 - c. 1300)

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Gallery 325, Asian Art, third floor (Imasogie Gallery)

Main Building

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