Vishnu with Lion and Boar Heads (Vishnu Vaikuntha)

8th-9th century

Kashmir

Copper alloy

H. 13 1/2 x W. 7 1/16 x D. 3 1/8 in. (34.3 x 18 x 8 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.43

Provenance

John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY; acquired from N.V. Hammer Inc., New York, NY, April 25, 1968.

The Asia Society, New York, NY, bequest of John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY, 1979.

Licensing inquiries

Vishnu is worshipped by Hindus as the preserver of the universe. He descends to earth in different guises and restores the balance of the universe. In this image, Vishnu's three heads denote three aspects of his character. A lion represents wisdom and also refers to Vishnu's incarnation as a man-lion, who saved a devotee from the wrath of her father who worshipped Shiva. As a giant boar, an animal symbolic of sovereignty and majesty, Vishnu rescued the earth during a great flood. Vishnu usually holds a club, a wheel, a lotus, and a conch, attributes which symbolize his various powers. Here the club and wheel are personified by two small figures flanking the central image. This image was once surrounded by a large body halo as indicated by the attachment remaining behind his neck and in the base.