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Collections

Unknown
The Hindu Goddess Bhudevi13th century

Not on view
Full-length bronze sculpture of a standing female figure with deep green patina, tall tiered crown, jewelry, and lotus pedestal base
Cast bronze sculpture of a standing deity figure viewed from behind, with green patina, wearing elaborate jewelry, a tall stacked crown, and a draped lower garment, standing on a lotus-petal base in a slight tribhanga posture.
Bronze sculpture of a standing female figure viewed from behind, with green patina, wearing elaborate jewelry, a dhoti with incised textile patterns, and a tall stacked crown; figure stands in a gentle tribhanga pose on a lotus base with finely cast ornamental details throughout.
Bronze sculpture of a standing female figure in tribhanga pose on a lotus pedestal, with green patina, wearing elaborate jewelry, a tall crown, and a draped lower garment with decorative belt panels; finely cast details throughout.
Bronze sculpture of a standing female figure with green patina, wearing a tall tiered crown, ornate necklaces, and large circular earrings; one hand raised in a gesture with detailed bracelet ornamentation, in the South Indian Chola casting tradition.
Artist or Maker
Unknown
Title
The Hindu Goddess Bhudevi
Place Made
India, Tamil Nadu
Date Made
13th century
Medium
Copper alloy
Dimensions
32 x 12 x 6 1/2 in. (81.28 x 30.48 x 16.51 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Anna Bing Arnold
Accession Number
M.70.5.3
Classification
Sculpture
Collecting Area
South and Southeast Asian Art
Curatorial Notes

These separate copper alloy (bronze) representations of the Hindu god Vishnu flanked by his wives Shridevi (or Lakshmi) and the earth goddess Bhudevi form a Vaishnava matrimonial triad (M.70.5.1-.3). Originally made as processional images, each deity stands on a double lotus base cut with holes for attaching them to the support poles.

Bhudevi stands on Vishnu’s left side, as indicated by her posture and arm positions. She has a conical crown and copious jewelry, including the Brahmanical sacred thread (yajñopavita) worn over her left shoulder. She stands with her right leg slightly bent (kuncitapada) and her hip thrust to her left. Her breasts are bare and she wears a striped lower garment (antariya). Her right hand is in the gesture of holding a blue lotus flower (kataka mudra). Her left arm dangles along her outer side. Bhudevi is slightly heavier than her counterpart, Sridevi.

Selected Bibliography

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