Two-Sided Devotional Plaque (Vishnupatta)
Asian Art
MEDIUM
Stone
DATES
10th–11th century
PERIOD
Pala Period
DIMENSIONS
6 5/8 x 6 1/2 x 1 1/8 in. (16.8 x 16.5 x 2.9 cm)
ACCESSION NUMBER
2021.1.5
CREDIT LINE
Bequest of Dr. Samuel Eilenberg
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1998, provenance not yet documented; by 1998, acquired by Samuel Eilenberg of New York; 1998, bequeathed by Samuel Eilenberg to the Brooklyn Museum; April 6, 2021, accessioned by the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Vishnupatta. Two-sided devotional object, carved in black stone in low relief. On one side the primary design is a lotus with the ten avatars of the Hindu god Vishnu, each standing in a different petal. A lotus and central knob protrude from the center. On the other side a seated deity, presumably Vishnu, is surrounded by a geometric frame with standing consorts in niches at either side, an image of Lakshmi being lustrated by elephants above, and small kneeling devotees at the bottom.
Each side can be read as a rudimentary mandala, but neither the ritual context in which these objects were used, nor the prayers that would have been recited during use, is certain. Similar objects exist in metal.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
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