Skip to main content
This small sculpture is an excellent example of early metalwork from the northwestern Indian area of Kashmir. It includes many characteristic features of that art, including eyes of silver inlay; an inset chin; a small waist and fleshy abdomen; a linear, pointed, flaming halo; a plain geometric base; and the depiction of a small worshiper on the side of that base.
Kashmira
OriginKashmir, India
Date10th century
Dimensions8 3/4 × 5 × 2 in.
MediumCopper alloy with inlays of silver
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2005.16.5
Himalayan Art Resources Number65427
DescriptionParvati, sometimes called Uma, is a Hindu goddess and the daughter of Himavat, the embodiment of the Himalayan Mountains. She is also the consort of Shiva, one of Hinduism’s most important gods. In this sculpture her role as Shiva’s wife was emphasized by including many visual references to the god. In her left hand she holds Shiva’s primary attribute, a trident; like Shiva she bears a third eye on her forehead and has his snakes and a crescent moon in her hair; and she is seated on Shiva’s bull mount, Nandi. This small sculpture is an excellent example of early metalwork from the northwestern Indian area of Kashmir. It includes many characteristic features of that art, including eyes of silver inlay; an inset chin; a small waist and fleshy abdomen; a linear, pointed, flaming halo; a plain geometric base; and the depiction of a small worshiper on the side of that base.
13th century
18th century
Dated by inscription 1796
mid-19th century
12th century
11th century
18th - 19th century
17th or 18th century
19th century
15th century
19th century