The Planets (Navagraha)
Date550–575
Creation PlaceUttar Pradesh, India
MediumYellow sandstone
Dimensions36.8 x 67.3 x 12.4 cm (14 1/2 x 26 1/2 x 4 7/8 in.)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1923.5
DescriptionNavagraha (Nine Planets) frieze representing Vedic planetary. From the left, the first figure represents the Sun (Suyra), wearing a jeweled headdress and holding lotuses in raised hands. The following six figures are the Moon (Chandra or Soma), Mercury (Budha), Venus (Shukra), Mars (Mangala or Bhauma), Jupiter (Brihaspati), and Saturn (Shani). The last figure is the demon Rahu, the Rising Moon. The large half-length figure of Rahu holds his hands cupped.Label TextLintels at the entrances of temples in Northern and Central India often portrayed the personification of nine celestial bodies, symbolizing good fortune. Figures include (from left to right) the sun, the moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and the two lunar nodes, Rahu and Ketu. Here, only eight figures are present, since Ketu is missing. In Hindu astrology, these celestial bodies are believed to influence individuals' destinies. The sun considered the leader of the planets, is depicted wearing a jeweled headdress and shoes and holding lotuses. Notably, Rahu is portrayed differently from the other celestial bodies. Typically depicted as a demon, the larger-bodied Rahu is instead grinning and more radiant in this lintel.Provenance(Bourgeois Galleries, New York, NY); 1923, purchased by the Worcester Art Museum.
On View
On viewCurrent Location
- Exhibition Location Gallery 106
Utagawa Kunisada I 歌川 国貞 (Toyokuni III 三代 豊国)
about 1836–1838
