The Nepalese love of exuberant ornamentation is well represented in this set of jewelry. The pendant’s centerpiece of carved turquoise depicts the multiarmed goddess Durga vanquishing the buffalo demon. On the earrings are images of the god Vishnu riding on the Hindu sun bird Garuda, who in turn is stepping on a pair of snake deities. This motif is repeated on the charm box, where the group is shown flying above the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. Ornamenting the two ends of the brooch are protective masks known as kirttimukha (“face of glory”); this motif originated in India but is widely used in Nepal.
Details
- Title : Earrings, part of a set of jewellery
- Year : approx. 1750-1850
- Classification : Cultural objects
- Medium : Silver with gilding and semiprecious stones
- Dimension : H. 3 3/4 in x W. 3 1/4 in x D. 1 1/2 in, H. 9.5 cm x W. 8.3 cm x D. 3.8 cm
- Accession No : B60M23+
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
- Collection : Asian Art Museum
- Credit Line : The Avery Brundage Collection
- Status : Not on display
- Location : Gallery 12
- Exhibition History : "Visualizing the Body" Rotation, Asian Art Museum, 7/25/2011