This relief would have formed a decorative panel (torana) above an entrance to a temple or above a large metal image of a deity itself. The Garuda, half man and half eagle, is a favourite subject in Nepalese art, and is traditionally represented engaged in mortal combat with its natural enemies, the water spirits or nagas. The group with its flamboyant open scroll work shows the skill of the Newari metal workers of the Kathmandu Valley at their best.
Physical description
TORANA WITH GARUDA ATTACKING A NAGA AND NAGINI: These reliefs would have been found in the central motif to a decorative panel (torana) above an entrance to a temple or above a large metal image itself.
The Torana (overpiece) is in thrre parts. The central figure of a flying Garuda, who holds in his claws the leg of a floating Naga and Nagini. The lateer are overshadowed by three-headed Cobras: they have each four arms. With one hand each grasps a leg of the Garuda, with two hands they hold jewel-symbols and with the fourth they make the Abhays mudra before the breast. Around them is rich foliate ornaments partly in openwork.
Descriptive line
Torana with a Garuda attacking a Naga and a Nagini, repousse copper with gilding and paint, set with turquoise, rock crystal and semi-precious stones, Nepal, 1550-1600, Malla period
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
PUBLISHED, G. Beguin, Dieux et Demons de l’Himalaya, Paris, Musees Nationaux, 1977, cat. no.95
Labels and date
Torana with a Garuda Attacking a Naga and Nagini
1550–1600
Malla period
This flamboyant relief shows a garuda, half human, half eagle.
He is depicted in the traditional position of combat with the
nagas, snakelike spirits of the waters. Associated with the Hindu
god Vishnu, the garuda is a favourite subject in Nepalese art.
The relief would have crowned the entrance to a temple or
palace.
Copper with gilding and paint, set with turquoise, rock crystal and semiprecious
stones
Nepal
Museum no. IM.142-1926 [14/06/2011]
TORANA WITH GARUDA ATTACKING A NAGA AND NAGINI: These reliefs would have found the central motif to a decorative panel (torana) above an entrance to a temple or private enclosure. The Garuda is a favourite subject in Nepalese art, and is traditionally represented engaged in mortal combat with his natural enemies, the nagas. The Garuda’s claws can be seen gripping the naga and his companion, the Nagini. The group with its flamboyant open scroll work shows Newari metal figure working skills at its best. [Nehru Gallery 47A 2001]
Details
- Title : Torana with Garuda attacking a Naga and a Nagini
- Year : 1550-1600 (made)
- Classification : Shrine back/ Cultural objects
- Medium : Repoussé copper, with gilding and paint, set with turquoise, rock crystal and semi-precious stones
- Dimension : Height: 23.3 cm, Length: 38 cm
- Accession No : IM.142 to B-1926
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
- Culture : Hindu
- Period : Malla
- Collection : Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)
- Status : South-East Asia, Room 47a, case 10