Polychromed wood sculpture from at least the tenth century survives in Nepal, in the form of both independent sculptures and architectural elements. This dancer, likely one of a pair, is a form of a Buddhist savior, a counterpart to such popular bodhisattvas as Avalokiteshvara in the form of Cintamani Lokeshvara, the wish-fulfilling jewel bearer. This goddess gestures with her lower hand, evoking her boon-granting power.
Details
- Title : Goddess of Dance (Nrtyadevi)
- Year : 16th century
- Classification : Sculpture
- Medium : Wood with pigment
- Dimension : H. incl. base 33 in. (83.8 cm); W. 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm); D. 9 in. (22.9 cm)
- Accession No : 2016.21.1
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
- Culture : Kathmandu Valley
- Period : Malla period
- Collection : The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Credit Line : Zimmerman Family Collection, Gift of the Zimmerman Family, 2016 (until 2016; donated to MMA)
- Acquisition Method : Gift
- Status : On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 252
- Exhibition History : New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "The Arts of Nepal and Tibet: Recent Gifts," January 16, 2016–January 15, 2017.