Hanuman Triumphant

ca. late 9th-early 10th century

Sandstone with plaster and pigment

H. 61 x 31 x 10 ½ inches

Asia Society, New York: Gift of Judith Price, 2024.3

Provenance

Collection of Judith Price, New York, NY; acquired from Spink & Son, Ltd., London in 1989.

Licensing inquiries

The monkey general Hanuman is an incarnation of Shiva and a devotee of Lord Rama, who is an avatar of Vishnu. Hanuman’s bravery, courage, and loyalty are renowned throughout the Ramayana epic. Although segments of the sculpture are missing, revealing aspects of the figure remain: for example, the left hand with raised index finger held against the chest suggests an angry pose, typical of fierce but protective deities. The remaining accretions of plaster and sindur (orange-red powder) on the body indicate that Hanuman was likely used in worship during the past century.