- Title
- The Hindu Goddess Shridevi
- Date Made
- 13th century
- Medium
- Copper alloy
- Dimensions
- 32 1/2 x 12 x 5 3/4 in. (82.55 x 30.48 x 14.6 cm)
- Accession Number
- M.70.5.2
- 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 Originally made as processional images, each deity stands on a double lotus base cut with holes for attaching them to the support poles.
Shridevi stands on Vishnu’s right side, as indicated by her posture and arm positions. She has a conical crown and abundant jewelry, including a distinctive necklace between and beneath her breasts (mangala sutra). She stands with her left leg slightly bent (kuncitapada) and her hip thrust to her right. She wears a breastband (kucchabandha), and a striped lower garment (antariya). Her left hand is in the gesture of holding a pink lotus flower (kataka mudra). Her right arm dangles along her outer side. Shridevi is distinguished from her counterpart, Bhudevi, by her slightly slenderer physique.
