Harihara Seated

Currently not on view

Harihara Seated

c. 1700

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

The figure of Harihara is composed of Vishnu (Hari) on the left and Shiva (Hara) on the right. They are joined as a single being and represent not only the union of the two deities, but also of Vaishnavism and Shaivism, the two major branches of Hinduism. Blue-skinned Vishnu wears a fine red garment, while the ash-covered ascetic Shiva sits on a tiger skin. Vishnu’s garland of flowers transforms into Shiva’s garland of skulls as it passes through the center of the figure. Their crossed legs bridge the space, as does a gilt crown from which Shiva’s matted hair protrudes on one side.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Harihara Seated

Date:

c. 1700

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor with gold and silver or tin on paper

Dimensions:

Sheet: 8 1/2 × 6 1/16 inches (21.6 × 15.4 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994

Accession Number:

1994-148-501

Geography:

Made in Mankot, Himachal Pradesh, India, Asia

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Currently not on view