Shiva and his wife Parvati at home in the Himalayas

Currently not on view

Shiva and his wife Parvati at home in the Himalayas

c. 1700-1725

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Shiva, who is both a yogi and a family man, holds out his left arm to caress his wife, Parvati. She has fallen asleep with her head in his lap—her posture indicates a release of inhibitions and absolute trust. Two trees arch over the couple, leaning together to increase the sense of intimacy. Flower laden creepers extend toward the holy family to represent their fertility. Shiva’s bundle containing the holy intoxicant bhang (a cannabis preparation) hangs on the branch of a nearby tree. This, together with his ash-whitened body, matted hair, and garland of skulls, is a quiet reminder of his ascetic ways.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Shiva and his wife Parvati at home in the Himalayas
The Immortal Marriage (Amara Beah)

Date:

c. 1700-1725

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 9 × 6 1/8 inches (22.9 × 15.6 cm) Sheet: 11 3/8 × 8 9/16 inches (28.9 × 21.7 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994

Accession Number:

1994-148-509

Geography:

Made in Mankot, Himachal Pradesh, India, Asia

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Currently not on view