New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2006.

Vishnu

Artist Unknown

CultureIndian

Date11th-12th century

MediumStone

Dimensions66 x 27 x 12 1/2 in. (167.6 x 68.6 x 31.8 cm)

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.313

Collections

Asian Art

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 107

DescriptionLarge figure representing the Hindu God Vishnu has tall somewhat cylindrical hat, various chains of jewels about torso and thin dhoti, or heavy loincloth, reaching below the knees. Vishnu, in the Hindu religion, acts as the Preserver. The figure has attributes of Vishnu, such as the conch shell, discus, and mace. Upper left arm holds conch, upper right holds discus, lower left rests on hip, lower right broken off at elbow. Although this Vishnu has no mace, it is suggested through the steadying gesture of the lower left hand.. Stands barefooted on small, almost square base. Mounted by metal bracket to metal sheet.

Exhibition History"Work of the Month," Chrysler Museum of Art, Sponsored by the Education Department, July 2001.