Lakshmi-Narayana Enthroned (inward-facing side); Prayer to Vishnu and His Wife and Sketches of the God's Attributes (outward-facing side)

Currently not on view

Lakshmi-Narayana Enthroned (inward-facing side); Prayer to Vishnu and His Wife and Sketches of the God's Attributes (outward-facing side)

c. 1790-1800

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

The carefully painted, inward-facing side of this cover depicts a lotus throne holding Vishnu and his wife Lakshmi; this combined representation is usually called "Lakshmi-Narayana." The outward-facing side has beveled edges, a short written prayer, and sketches of the god Vishnu's identifying objects-conch shell, lotus flower, circular chakra, and mace. The snubbed-nose faces suggest that this book cover was painted by the artist Bhagavan, whose name is inscribed on several eighteenth-century manuscripts probably made in the Kulu region of modern Himachal Pradesh, where some of his works were found.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Lakshmi-Narayana Enthroned (inward-facing side); Prayer to Vishnu and His Wife and Sketches of the God's Attributes (outward-facing side)

Date:

c. 1790-1800

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor on wood

Dimensions:

9 5/16 × 4 1/2 inches (23.7 × 11.4 cm)

Classification:

Books/Manuscripts/Information Artifacts

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Francis T. S. Darley Fund, 1935

Accession Number:

1935-34-2

Geography:

Made in Himachal Pradesh, India, Asia Probably made in Kulu, Himachal Pradesh, India, Asia

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view