Kumara

Artwork Details

Title: Kumara

Dimensions: 5 1/8 × 3 1/8 × 2 1/8 in.

Medium: Metal

Origin: Nepal

Classification(s): sculpture

Date: 11th century

Credit Line: Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art

Object number: C2004.14.10

HAR Number: 65337

Published references: *Callanan, Jeanne de Guardiola, and Carlton C. Rochell. Road to Enlightenment: Sculpture and Painting from India, the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. New York: Carlton Rochell Ltd, 2004. (Cat. No. 12* Vajracarya, Gautamavajra. Nepalese Seasons: Rain and Ritual. New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2016. Cat 2: pp. 26, 33, 36-38, 40, 44* Vajracarya, Gautama V. "Does Art Imitate Life or Life Imitate Art?: Nepal Has a Unique Answer." Orientations 48, no. 2 (March/April 2017). pp. 118-127. Fig. 11.

Storytelling

Concepts

A vehicle for the preservation and transmission of knowledge. The Buddha’s teachings were originally passed down through oral transmission and storytelling, and stories of the Buddha’s past lives are considered an important source of inspiration and guidance.

Hindu Gods and Goddesses

Figure Type

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.

Nepalese Regions

Region

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.

Artwork Details

Storytelling

Hindu Gods and Goddesses

Nepalese Regions

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