-
Details
- Place where the work was made
-
Tibet
- Date
- 16th century
- Media category
- Sculpture
- Materials used
- bronze, gold leaf
- Dimensions
- 12.0 cm
- Signature & date
Not signed. Not dated.
- Credit
- Gift of Sarah Mitchell in memory of her father Raymond Mitchell 2007
- Location
- South Building, lower level 1, Asian Lantern galleries
- Accession number
- 46.2007
- Copyright
- Share
-
About
Kubera, also known as Vaishravana, is the Buddhist guardian of wealth and treasures. This role of the deity is underscored by the attribute in the figure's right hand, a 'nakula', or mongoose that spits coins and gems. The figure's rotund, corpulent form, as well as the rich crown and elaborate jewellery he wears, also allude to prosperity and wellbeing. Despite the direct references to material wealth, within the Buddhist context, the treasure that Kubera ultimately protects is religious teachings that will lead a practitioner to perfection.
Asian Art Department, AGNSW, February 2007.
-
Places
Where the work was made
Tibet
-
Exhibition history
Shown in 3 exhibitions
Conversations through the Asian collections, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 25 Oct 2014–13 Mar 2016
Walking with gods, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 01 Jun 2019–05 Jan 2020
Elemental, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 30 Jul 2022–2024
-
Bibliography
Referenced in 2 publications
-
Chaya Chandrasekhar with Jane Somerville, Look, 'Kubera: God of Wealth', p.27, Sydney, Nov 2007, 27 (colour illus.).
-
Jane Wynter (Editor), Foundation Newsletter #10, Sydney, Jul 2007, (colour illus.). The colour illus. is on the second last page of the newsletter.
-
-
Provenance
Raymond Mitchell, pre Apr 2006, Sydney/New South Wales/Australia
Sarah Mitchell, Apr 2006-2007, Sydney/New South Wales/Australia, by descent. Donated to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, Feb 2007.