Goddess of Dance (Nrtyadevi)

Nepal, Kathmandu Valley

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 252

Polychromed wood sculpture from at least the tenth century survives in Nepal, in the form of both independent sculptures and architectural elements. This dancer, likely one of a pair, is a form of a Buddhist savior, a counterpart to such popular bodhisattvas as Avalokiteshvara in the form of Cintamani Lokeshvara, the wish-fulfilling jewel bearer. This goddess gestures with her lower hand, evoking her boon-granting power.

Goddess of Dance (Nrtyadevi), Wood with pigment, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley

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Goddess of Dance (Nrtyadevi), Wood with pigment, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
Goddess of Dance (Nrtyadevi), Wood with pigment, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
Goddess of Dance (Nrtyadevi), Wood with pigment, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
Goddess of Dance (Nrtyadevi), Wood with pigment, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
Goddess of Dance (Nrtyadevi), Wood with pigment, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley

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