Although Mandalas are often associated with Buddhism, this unusual Lotus Mandala commemorates Vishnu, one of the main Hindu gods who is considered the preserver of the universe. He poses on the pinnacle of this small sculpture, flanked by his two female counterparts. Lakshmi, holding a lotus flower, is on the right, while Sarasvati, playing a violin, is on the left. The eight metal rings on the base of the statuette likely contained adjustable lotus petals. Each petal would have featured an avatar or a representation of the deity, enabling devotees to visualize and invoke the diverse powers associated with Vishnu.
Details
- Title: Lotus Mandala with Vishnu
- Date: c. 1100
- Medium: Bronze
- Dimensions: 5-5/8 x 3-3/4 x 3-1/4 in. (14.3 x 9.5 x 8.3 cm)
- Credit Line: Norton Simon Museum, Gift of Michael Phillips and Juliana Maio
- Accession Number: P.2000.05.10
- Copyright: © Norton Simon Museum
Object Information
The Art of Giving: Recent Acquisitions of the Norton Simon Museum
- Norton Simon Museum, 2002-08-02 to 2002-11-04
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