Porcupine
![Detail of a pattern](https://asia.si.edu/wp-content/themes/custom/nmaa/nmaa-frontend/public/images/hero-bkgrnd-desktop.jpg)
Terms of Use
Usage Conditions ApplyAt A Glance
-
Period
20th century -
Geography
Orissa, India -
Material
Brass -
Dimension
H x W x D: 9.4 x 13.8 x 6 cm (3 11/16 x 5 7/16 x 2 3/8 in) -
Accession Number
S1992.6 -
EDAN ID
edanmdm:fsg_S1992.6
Object Details
-
Provenance
At least from early 20th century-?Ownership information unknown?-1992Dr. Samuel Eilenberg (1913-1998), method of acquisition unknown [1]From 1992Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, purchased from Dr. Samuel Eilenberg [2]Notes:[1] See “Incoming Receipt,” dated October 24, 1991, copy in object file. The object was transferred from Dr. Samuel Eilenberg to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery for acquisition consideration on October 24, 1991.Samuel Eilenberg (1913-1998) , a Polish emigre who came to the United States in 1939, was one of the 20th century's most renowned experts on algebraic topology and developed a new field of mathematics called homological algebra. He was born in Warsaw, which was a part of the Russian Empire at the time. Eilenberg became interested in art collecting on a trip to Bombay (present-day Mumbai) in the mid-1950s and put his storied collection together over the next 30 years. His fame among certain art collectors overshadows even his mathematical reputation. His collection included art from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Central Asia dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 20th century. He acquired objects for his collection through dealers, including Spink and Son, auction houses, and also flea markets. Items from Eilenberg’s collection may also be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Museum of Cultural History (USLA), Friends of Israel Museum, and University of Missouri Museum of Art & Archeology.[2] See Arthur M. Sackler, “Acquisition Consideration Form,” approved on January 13, 1992, copy in object file.See also invoice from Dr. Samuel Eilenberg, dated February 26, 1992, copy in object file.Research updated June 20, 2023 -
Collection
National Museum of Asian Art Collection -
Previous custodian or owner
Dr. Samuel Eilenberg (1913-1998) -
Origin
Orissa, India -
Credit Line
Purchase — Smithsonian Unrestricted Trust Funds -
Type
Sculpture -
Restrictions and Rights
Usage Conditions Apply
There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The National Museum of Asian Art welcomes information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.
Keep Exploring
-
Related Resources
-
Date
-
Name
-
Place
-
Topic
-
Culture
-
Object Type