NARRATOR:
One of the Hindu god Vishnu's most popular incarnations is Krishna. In fact, he is so well-liked that many of his devotees do not even count him as one of Vishnu’s incarnations, but think of him as “God without Equal.” Not surprisingly, his mythology is highly developed, beginning with his adventurous childhood.
He was raised as a foster child among cowherds and milkmaids, constantly pulling pranks and fighting demons. His parents and friends were granted glimpses of his divine nature now and then.
STORYTELLER:
One day, Krishna’s foster-mother rebuked him for having eaten some earth. He denied it, so she forced him to open his mouth. To her amazement she saw there the whole universe, and for a brief moment she perceived Krishna’s true nature.
NARRATOR:
In this harmoniously balanced sculpture, the artist portrays Krishna as a winsome boy. He is gracefully poised in dance, with one plump leg raised, and the other bent to support his weight. He stretches one hand out in a dance gesture called karihasta, or elephant trunk, while the other hand, with its palm facing outwards, promises protection to the devotee. His naked body is adorned with lavish jewelry, including a traditional girdle of bells around his waist.
Krishna Dancing
11th century
Asia: India, Tamil Nadu
On View
Krishna is one of the most beloved avatars of the god Vishnu. Worshippers often envision him as a handsome youth or as the precocious child seen here. Episodes from Krishna’s childhood further endeared him to many Tamil saints. The eighth-century saint Periyalvar sang of each milestone in Krishna’s early life from the perspective of a delighted parent:
He smiles his charming smile
little white teeth in pink mouth […]
I am drowned in waves of joy as he trips forward […]
In this lively dance, the young Krishna sports bells on his waist and ankles. His right hand is held in abhaya mudra, the gesture of protection.
Details
- Title: Krishna Dancing
- Date: 11th century
- Medium: Bronze
- Dimensions: 20-3/4 x 11-3/4 x 7-1/2 in. (52.7 x 29.8 x 19.1 cm)
- Credit Line: The Norton Simon Foundation
- Accession Number: F.1975.17.46.S
- Copyright: © The Norton Simon Foundation
Object Information
Tales of the Blue Lord
- Norton Simon Museum, 2007-11-09 to 2008-05-12
- Dehejia, Vidya, Asian Art: Selections from the Norton Simon Museum, fig. 16 p. 46
- Pal, Pratapaditya, Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum, Volume 1: Art from the Indian Subcontinent, 2003, no. 178 p. 251
- Campbell, Sara, Collector Without Walls: Norton Simon and His Hunt for the Best, 2010, cat. 1247 p. 386
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