A green Vishnu with four arms, each holding his attributes of discus (his upper right hand), mace (upper left), lotus (lower right), and conch (in pearl, lower left) rides on a coral Garuda with Lapis wings, arms outstretched. The blue figures on either side are probably celestial beings praising him in dance postures, with one leg crossed over the other. On the backsides, delicate filigree floral scrolls form the backdrop of a protective mask popular in Nepal; a sun over a crescent moon is inlaid above his head.
Fun Fact
These larger-than-life earrings would hang on a deity statue in a Nepalese temple, rather than worn by a person.
Details
- Title : Pair of Deity Earrings with Vishnu on Garuda (front) and Chepu (monster mask) (back)
- Year : 1600s or 1700s
- Classification : Cultural Objects/Jewellery
- Medium : Gold set with precious and semi-precious stones
- Dimension : Overall: 9.5 x 6.9 cm (3 3/4 x 2 11/16 in.) / 9.5 x 6.9 cm (3 3/4 x 2 11/16 in.) / 9.5 x 6.9 cm (3 3/4 x 2 11/16 in.)
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
- Collection : The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Credit Line : Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade 1915.338/ Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade 1915.338.1/ Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade 1915.338.2
- Status : On View ArtLens Exhibition A
- Collection : Nepalese Art
- Department : Indian and Southeast Asian Art
- Exhibition history : Inaugural Exhibition. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (co-organizer) (June 6-September 20, 1916).