Kubera, the God of Riches

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Kubera, the God of Riches

India, Karnataka, Varuna, circa 1050
Sculpture
Magnesian schist
36 x 24 1/4 x 12 in. (91.44 x 61.59 x 30.48 cm)
From the Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection, Museum Associates Purchase (M.69.13.8)
Not currently on public view

Curator Notes

Kubera, The God of Riches, is also known as Vaishravana or Jambhala. He is venerated by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains....
Kubera, The God of Riches, is also known as Vaishravana or Jambhala. He is venerated by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Kubera was originally the chief of the demigods and guardians of treasures (yakshas). He is also the Regent of the Northern Direction (dikpala). This Jain representation from Varuna, Karnataka, exhibits his characteristic iconography of being potbellied (tundila). He wears copious princely ornaments (bodhisattva abharana) and has long wavy locks of hair on his shoulders. He is seated on a lotus base in the kingly posture of royal ease (maharajalila asana) with his left leg lying flat and his right knee raised. His now-missing left hand likely once held a pomegranate (dadima) or citron (jambhira). His right hand holds the stalk of a now-broken lotus (padma). His aureole has a plain inner band and an outer band decorated with diamond-shaped floral motifs with bead junctures.
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Bibliography

  • El Universo de la India: Obras Maestras del Museo de Arte del Condado de Los Angeles. Santiago: Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda, 2012.

  • Newman, Richard.  The Stone Sculpture of India: a Study of the Materials Used by Indian Sculptors from ca. 2nd Century B.C. to the 16th Century.  Cambridge, MA:  Center for Conservation and Technical Studies, Harvard University Art Museums, 1984.
  • El Universo de la India: Obras Maestras del Museo de Arte del Condado de Los Angeles. Santiago: Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda, 2012.

  • Newman, Richard.  The Stone Sculpture of India: a Study of the Materials Used by Indian Sculptors from ca. 2nd Century B.C. to the 16th Century.  Cambridge, MA:  Center for Conservation and Technical Studies, Harvard University Art Museums, 1984.
  • Pal, Pratapaditya. Indian Sculpture, vol.2. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art; University of California Press, 1988.
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