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Krishna Dances on the Head of Kaliya; Illustration to the Harivamsa (Story of Hari)

ca. 1590–95
Not on view
Krishna in gold crown and yellow dhoti and scarf is shown here playing his flute in triumph as he pummels the multi-headed serpent king Kaliya into submission with his dancing feet, having jumped down upon him from the Kadamba tree. Krishna’s brother, the pale skinned Balarama turns to Krishna’s astonished foster parents to indicate his victory. The Harivamsa (Story of Hari), to which this is an illustration, is one of several Hindu epics and mythological translated from Sanskrit to Persian for the emperor Akbar, and exquisitely illustrated by his leading artists

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Krishna Dances on the Head of Kaliya; Illustration to the Harivamsa (Story of Hari)
  • Date: ca. 1590–95
  • Geography: Country of Origin India
  • Medium: Opaque color and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Image: Ht. 11 7/16 in. (29 cm)
    W. 12 11/16 in. (32.2 cm)
    Frame: Ht. 16 3/4 in. (42.5 cm)
    W. 12 in. (53.3 cm)
    D. 7/8 in. (2.2 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Howard Hodgkin Collection, Purchase, Florence and Herbert Irving Acquisitions, Harris Brisbane Dick, and 2020 Benefit Funds; Howard S. and Nancy Marks, Lila Acheson Wallace, and Friends of Islamic Art Gifts; Louis V. Bell, Harris Brisbane Dick, Fletcher, and Rogers Funds and Joseph Pulitzer Bequest; and funds from various donors, 2022
  • Object Number: 2022.175
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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"Bahram Gur Sees a Herd of Deer Mesmerized by Dilaram' s Music", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian, Main support: ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper<br/>Margins: gold on dyed paper
"Bahram Gur Sees a Herd of Deer Mesmerized by Dilaram' s Music", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Miskin
1597–98
"A King Offers to Make Amends to a Bereaved Mother", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian, Main support: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold on paper<br/>Margins: Gold on dyed paper
"A King Offers to Make Amends to a Bereaved Mother", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Miskin
1597–98
"Akbar With Lion and Calf", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Govardhan, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"Akbar With Lion and Calf", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Govardhan
Mir 'Ali Haravi
verso: ca. 1630; recto: ca. 1530–50
"Shah Jahan on a Terrace, Holding a Pendant Set With His Portrait", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Chitarman Indian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"Shah Jahan on a Terrace, Holding a Pendant Set With His Portrait", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Chitarman
recto: dated 1627–28; verso: ca. 1530–50
"The Story of the Princess of the Blue Pavillion: The Youth of Rum Is Entertained in a Garden by a Fairy and her Maidens", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"The Story of the Princess of the Blue Pavillion: The Youth of Rum Is Entertained in a Garden by a Fairy and her Maidens", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Multiple artists/makers
1597–98

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