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Krishna Rajamannar with His Wives, Rukmini and Satyabhama, and His Mount Garudalate 12th-13th century

Not on view

Group of four standing bronze sculptures with green patina, depicting Hindu figures in ornate crowns and jewelry, mounted on circular stepped pedestals

Bronze sculpture of a standing male figure with green patina, in a graceful tribhanga pose on a lotus-form pedestal, wearing an elaborate jatamukuta crown, layered necklaces, and an ornately incised dhoti with belt and hip ornaments, arms extended at sides.

Bronze sculpture of a standing deity in a dynamic tribhanga pose, viewed from behind, with elaborate tall crown, circular hair ornament, jewelry, and wrapped lower garment; green patinated surface on a rounded lotus base.

Bronze sculpture of a standing male deity with green patina, wearing an elaborate tall crown, layered necklaces, and ornamental hip cloth; arms extended with open hands in mudra gestures, set on a tiered circular base; Chola-style casting with fine surface detail.

Bronze sculpture of a standing male deity with green patina, wearing an elaborate tall crown, jewelry, and a waistcloth with detailed relief carving. Figure stands in a slight tribhanga pose on a circular lotus base, arms extended with stylized hand gestures.

Bronze sculpture of a deity, three-quarter view, with a tall ornate crown (kirita-makuta), large circular earring, and elaborately detailed necklace and jewelry, finished with a deep green patina against a dark background.

Bronze sculpture of a standing female figure in tribhanga pose on a lotus pedestal, adorned with elaborate jewelry, a tall crown, and finely incised draped garments; green patina overall.

Bronze sculpture of a standing female figure viewed from behind, with green-blue patina, elaborate coiffure, jewelry, and finely cast draped garment, posed in a gentle contrapposto on a lotus base.

Bronze sculpture of a standing female figure with green patina, wearing an elaborate crown, layered necklaces, and finely incised draped lower garment, one hand holding a small vessel, posed in a slight tribhanga stance on a rounded base.

Bronze sculpture of a standing female figure with green patina, in tribhanga pose, wearing elaborately incised dhoti, multiple necklaces, armlets, and tall crown; one hand raised holding a flower bud, mounted on a lotus-form base.

Bronze sculpture, upper torso of a deity with tall cylindrical crown of finely incised wavy hair, large circular ear ornaments, and layered necklaces with detailed casting. One hand holds a small flower bud. Green patina overall, photographed against a dark background.

Bronze sculpture of a standing deity, seen from the rear, with green patina. Figure wears an elaborate stacked crown, jewelry, armlets, and a finely incised dhoti with decorative border, standing on a lotus-form pedestal.

Bronze sculpture of a standing female deity with green patina, wearing a tall crown, elaborate jewelry, and wrapped lower garment; one hand raised, the other lowered, mounted on a lotus-form base.

Bronze sculpture of a standing female deity with green patina, in tribhanga pose on a lotus base, wearing elaborate jewelry, layered crown, and draped lower garment with finely cast ornamental details.

Bronze sculpture of a female deity, upper torso shown, with green patina. Detailed kirita-mukuta crown, layered necklaces with beaded ornaments, armlets, and curling hair framing the face. Fine cast detailing throughout.

Bronze sculpture of a standing deity viewed from the back, with green patina, wearing an elaborate tiered crown and ornate hip cloth with incised detailing. Decorative flame-like or feathered appendages extend from the shoulders. The figure stands in a slight contrapposto pose on a lotus base.

Bronze sculpture of a standing deity with green patina, multiple arms with flame-like projections, hands held in anjali mudra at chest, wearing ornate jewelry and a tiered crown, standing on a circular lotus base.

Bronze sculpture of a standing figure with green patina, hands pressed together at chest, wearing ornate jewelry, a tall crown, and a decorated dhoti, with spread wings behind the shoulders, mounted on a lotus base.

Bronze sculpture of a standing deity with green patina, wearing a tall tiered crown, large circular earrings, and layered necklaces. Hands meet at the chest in anjali mudra, flanked by elaborate feathered wings. Finely cast surface detail throughout.

Artist or Maker: Unknown
Title: Krishna Rajamannar with His Wives, Rukmini and Satyabhama, and His Mount Garuda
Place Made: India, Tamil Nadu
Date Made: late 12th-13th century
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: Various measurements; Tallest (.1): 34 1/4 x 16 x 8 1/2 in. (87.0 x 40.64 x 21.59 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Hal B. Wallis
Accession Number: M.70.69.1-.4
Classification: Sculpture
Collecting Area: South and Southeast Asian Art
Curatorial Notes: This group of copper alloy sculptures from the celebrated Chola Dynasty of southern India (850-1279) depicts the Hindu God Krishna in his royal cowherd form of Rajamannar (Leader of the people), along with his wives Rukmini and Satyabhama, and his half-avian mount Garuda. Krishna’s right hand would have once held a shepherd’s crook. His left arm is held up so as to rest on Satyabhama’s shoulder, thereby indicating their intimacy and her status as his favorite wife. Krishna and Satyabhama share the same tall jeweled crown of piled hair. Rukmini is the elder chief queen. She is differentiated from Satyabhama by her distinctive hairstyle, slightly thinner physique, and breast band. Garuda stands with his hands held in the gesture of adoration (anjali mudra) and his wings spread.
Selected Bibliography: Dehejia, Vidya, ed. The Sensuous and Sacred: Chola Bronzes from the South of India. New York: American Federation of Arts, 2002.
Pal, Pratapaditya. Indian Sculpture, vol.1. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art; University of California Press, 1986.

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