Shiva as Mahesha
Culture
Indian
Regionfrom the area of
Tamil Nādu
(India)
Date10th century
Creation PlaceAsia
MediumGranite with traces of gesso and red pigment
Dimensions148.3 x 74.6 x 47.3 cm (58 3/8 x 29 3/8 x 18 5/8 in.)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineEliza S. Paine Fund
Object number1964.16
Label TextThe figure represents the Hindu god Shiva, God of Destruction, in his ultimate form, Mahesha. Seated on a lotus, the figure he bears four heads: the one in the center represents Shiva, with his iconic third eye; the one on the left represents Vishnu, God of Preservation; and the one on the right is Brahma, God of Creation. Collectively, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva comprise the Hindu Trimurti (Trinity), and represent the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe, as well as the cycle of birth, life, and death.
The fourth head, in the back, is shallowly carved, suggesting that the sculpture was not meant to be viewed in the round. It most likely represents Rudra, the proto-deity to Shiva. The sculpture only has two of its original four arms. One remaining hand holds and counts the rosary, while the other is open-handed. The top right hand most likely One made the abhya mudra, or "gesture of reassurance"; the other may have held a lotus, an attribute of Vishnu.
ProvenanceWilliam H. Wolff, Inc, N.Y.On View
On viewCollections
Chinese
Late Yuan dynsaty (1279–1368)
