Nepal
Dated by inscription 1796
Nepal
Dated by inscription 1796
The fierce Siddha Lakshmi, a wrathful manifestation of the Hindu goddess Durga, was the protecting and guiding goddess of the Malla kings, who ruled Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley from the thirteenth through eighteenth century and their descendants. Here she is shown at the center of the composition standing on the hands of her consort, the great god Shiva, with her various forms occupying the registers above and below. Her name opens with the Sanskrit term “siddha,” which indicates that she has mastered the art of accomplishment, and as such she is appealed to by followers for the successful completion of projects.This painting’s tightly packed composition is characteristic of Nepalese paintings, which typically fill the canvas with deities, gods, goddesses, animals, and floral motifs. Also characteristic of Nepalese works of art, this painting includes an inscription on its back that allows it to be dated to 1796.
Prescribed practices that carry symbolic meaning and value within a specific tradition and are intended to attain a desired outcome. Rituals are usually done as part of a ceremony or regular routine.
A religious movement that originated in India around the fifth to seventh century with sacred writings and esoteric teachings and practices transmitted from teacher to student through initiation. These remain an important part of Hinduism and Buddhism today.
A kind of energy that can be used, individually and collectively, to effect change.
Hindu gods (deva) are thought to be manifestations of the absolute, or Brahman. The goddesses (devi) are considered manifestations of the Great Mother Goddess (Mahadevi), who is seen as the counterpart to Brahman.
The Himalayan kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley were significant centers of Buddhist culture. Nepalese kings, Buddhist institutions, and ordinary people patronized the vibrant art guilds. The artistic traditions of the regions are well-known in Tibetan areas and beyond, and Newar artists have always been in high demand throughout Tibetan regions and Inner Asia.
February 15–July 27, 2025Utah Museum of Fine Arts
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
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