Ritual Water Vessel for Worshiping Vishnu

Currently not on view

Ritual Water Vessel for Worshiping Vishnu

c. 11th century

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

The god Vishnu uses a conch shell as a war trumpet and it is one of his identifying attributes. Within the rondel on this shell Vishnu is represented in his martial role as protector of the universe. He flies through the sky on his mount, the bird-man Garuda, holding his weapons—the shell-trumpet, the mace, and the discus. Pierced conch shells are blown as trumpets to beckon the god during worship. This one, however, lacks a mouth opening on its spiral end and was probably used to hold and pour sacred water during religious ceremonies. The remarkably naturalistic depiction of playful animals suggests an early date for the carving.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Ritual Water Vessel for Worshiping Vishnu
Ritual Water Vessel with Vishnu on His Bird-Man, Vahana Garuda, For worship of the god Vishnu

Date:

c. 11th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Conch shell with carved decoration

Dimensions:

6 3/4 x 4 x 3 1/2 inches (17.1 x 10.2 x 8.9 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Stella Kramrisch Fund for Indian and Himalayan Art, 2012

Accession Number:

2012-106-1

Geography:

Probably made in Odisha, India, Asia Possibly made in West Bengal, Bengal Region, India, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Pala-Sena Dynasty (c. 750-c. 1100) Period: Medieval Period (c. 600 - c. 1300)

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Currently not on view