Figure of Laksminarayan, the conjoined male (Vishnu) and female (Lakshmi) form of the deity; cf. the Saiva, Ardhanarisvara (Śiva and Parvati joined). Standing on lotus throne, the differing characteristics have been subtly indicated in details such as the single female breast, the different earrings and the differential pleating of the ‘dhoti’ – the male side (right) terminates with a zig-zag motif, while the female side sweeps away gracefully from the centre line. Made of gilded bronze, inlaid with turquoise and a precious stone (perhaps ruby).
Details
- Title : Laksminarayan
- Year : 17thC
- Classification : Sculpture
- Medium : Made of gilded bronze, inlaid with turquoise and a precious stone (perhaps ruby).
- Dimension : Height: 5.7 inches
- Accession No : 1956,1210.7 Object reference number: RRI9712
- Country/ Geo-location : Made in: Kathmandu Valley; Nepal
- Culture : Hinduism
- Collection : The British Museum
- Credit Line : Donated by: D R Hay-Neave
- Acquisition Method : Donation: Acquisition date 1956
- Status : Not on display
- Curator's comments : Blurton 1992: In matters of religion, the Nepalese have often displayed a remarkable degree of syncretism. This conjoined image is in keeping with this spirit.
- Bibliography : Menzies 2006 cat 41, p. 74-75 Blurton 1992 p.150, fig.95 Parkinson 2013 pp. 68-9