Smithsonian Freer Gallery Sackler Gallery National Museum of Asian Art Gallery Guide to the Understanding South Asian Art
Introductionpage 1page 2page 3page 4 page 5 page 6 Sculpturepage 1page 2Paintingpage 1page 2page 3page 4
Most sculpture from South Asia relates to three world religions that emerged in India—Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. Each of these faiths constructed exquisite and distinctive monuments in honor of its deities and spiritual teachers. Their shrines and temples contain sculpted images that lead devotees to contemplate cosmic powers or greater realities.
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Shiva Vinadhara
Shiva Vinadhara (Holder of the Lute)
India, state of Tamil Nadu
Chola period, ca. 950
Bronze; height 73.6 cm (29 in.)
Purchase    F1997.28



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