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Title

Vishnu reclining on the serpent Ananta (Vishnu Anantasesha)

13th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    Orissa → India
    Date
    13th century
    Media category
    Sculpture
    Materials used
    stone
    Dimensions
    23.5 x 30.5 x 7.0 cm
    Signature & date

    Not signed. Not dated.

    Credit
    Gift of Dr and Mrs B.N. Beirman 1990
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    240.1990
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

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  • About

    This sculpture visualising the primordial scene of creation depicts Vishnu, the preserver of the world, reclining on the multi-headed serpent Ananta, representing endlessness or eternity. Vishnu holds his weapons, the conch and wheel (cakra) and the creator god, Brahma issues from a lotus which springs from his navel. The reclining Vishnu is attended by numerous gods including his consort Lakshmi, seated at his feet.
    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, April 2002

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 1 exhibition

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 3 publications