Avatars of Vishnu, the Preserver: Matsya (Merman), Kurma (Turtle-man), Varaha (Boar-man), Narasimha (Man-lion), Vamana (Little Man), Krishna (Dark Skinned Cowboy), Rama (Dark Skinned Prince), Parashurama (Plowman), Buddha (Awakened One), Rato Machhendranath (Red Skinned Rainmaker), and Kalki (Prophesied Horseman)

Nepal

early 20th century, Shah period (1768-2008)

  • Titles Avatars of Vishnu, the Preserver: Matsya (Merman), Kurma (Turtle-man), Varaha (Boar-man), Narasimha (Man-lion), Vamana (Little Man), Krishna (Dark Skinned Cowboy), Rama (Dark Skinned Prince), Parashurama (Plowman), Buddha (Awakened One), Rato Machhendranath (Red Skinned Rainmaker), and Kalki (Prophesied Horseman) (Descriptive)@Eleven Avatars of Vishnu: Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Krishna, Rama, Parashurama, Buddha, Dipankara/Macchendranath and Kalki (Former title)
  • Medium colors on wood
  • Dimensions 5 × 40 × 1 in. (12.7 × 101.6 × 2.5 cm)
  • Credit Line Gift of Paul Romjue, 2021.36
  • Work Type painting
  • Classification Paintings
  • On View

See More of the Collection

C9-This monumental pitcher from Calcutta has a body chased with stiff leaves below a band of figures dancing and playing musical instruments. The pitcher's handle is of particular note, formed by Vishnu's Matsya's Avatar, (a figure emerging from the mouth of a fish) and holding twisted and entwined serpents. Its upper body is adorned with zodiac symbols. Calcutta was an extremely cosmopolitan city, and, in addition to Hindu images, important Muslim, Buddhist, and even festivals are sometimes represented and intertwined in its historical iconography and art. The symbols of the zodiac are part of the Calcutta tradition that often crosses cultural borders.
Bowl with molded design of waves and fishtails in interior.
End of a small roof tile decorated with a demon mask.
No. 13, Cherry Blossom Viewing in Mount Asuka, from the series 48 Famous Places in Edo, Utagawa Hiroshige III, ink and color on paper