Krishna Offered Delicacies by a Peri

Artists

Description

Krishna, the eighth avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, sits cross-legged on a cushion. He wears a jama (robe), with a punch dagger (katar) tucked into his waist sash (patka). He wears necklaces, armlets, an earring, and an elaborately decorated turban. In the front of the turban is a large lotus blossom, a symbol of Vishnu, which represents his divine nature. His right hand rests on the pommel of a long sword (talwar), while his left reaches into a bowl of delicacies offered by a peri, a winged fairy-like spirit of Persian mythology. The peri wears a long skirt and coat, and is adorned with earrings, a nose ring, and a large hat with a plume. Her long hair cascades down her back. Rajput Style, Kota School.

Dimensions

19.7 x 13.6 cm (7 3/4 x 5 3/8 in.)

Provenance

Stuart Cary Welch (by 1969 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Object was part of temporary loan to Museum in 1969.