Keshava

Object Details

• School/Tradition

  Hoysala school

• Label

  This stone image of Keshava ("long-haired"), one of the Chaturvimshatimurti (Twenty-four Forms of Vishnu), is carved in the Hoysala style. Images of Chaturvimshatimurti are prevalent in Vaishnava temples, particularly those in South India and the difference between any two of these lies in the arrangement of the attributes held in each arm. Thus, Keshava (also known as Chenna Keshava) who is the first of the 24 images, holds the sankha (conch shell), chakra (discus), gadha (mace) and padma (lotus) in his upper right, upper left, lower left and lower right hands respectively. The chakra is represented here with four points and symbolizes universal supremacy. The gadha is a symbol of strength and power and the padma is an emblem of creation.

  Vishnu stands on a lotus against an ornate stone base which is characteristic of the Hoysala style. The prabhavali is made up of an ornate vegetal arch. The figure wears a multi-tiered crown and is heavily bejeweled. In either side are his consorts; Sridevi to his right and Bhudevi to his left, both of them represented standing and with lotus flowers in their hands.

• Provenance

  From at least 1970-1987

  Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987), method of acquisition unknown [1]

  From 1987

  Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Dr. Arthur M. Sackler [2]

  Notes:

  [1] See Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Gift Inventory, number L70.16.1, copy in object file. In 1970, Arthur M. Sackler loaned the sculpture to the Brooklyn Museum, where the museum assigned it the loan number of “L70.16.1.”

  [2] Pursuant to the agreement between Dr. Arthur M. Sackler and the Smithsonian Institution, dated July 28, 1982, legal title of the donated objects was transferred to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery on September 11, 1987.

  Research Completed October 18, 2022

• Collection

  Arthur M. Sackler Collection

• Previous custodian or owner

  Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987)

• Origin

  Karnataka state, India

• Credit Line

  Gift of Arthur M. Sackler

• Type

  Sculpture

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1200s, 1300s

• Name

  Sackler, Arthur M.

• Place

  Karnataka state, India

• Topic

  Conch shell, Bhudevi, South Asian and Himalayan Art, Vishnu, Art, Chakra, Ceremonial maces, Sridevi, Lotus, Keshava

• Culture

  Himalayan peoples, South Asians

• Object Type

  Sculpture