Pala Schist Relief of Vishnu

Origin: Northeast IndiaCirca: 12th Century ADDimensions: 21.75" Height (55.25 cm)Medium: Schist A classic representation of the god standing on a blooming lotus. With his four hands he holds the club (gada), the disk (cakra), the conch (sanka), and makes the gesture of giving (varada mudrâ). He is flanked by two female deities, one holding a fly whisk, the other a musical instrument. The lower register is occupied by the representations of the probable donors. The back of the composition is treated in the manner of classic throne backsplashes from the Pâla period, with superimposed elephants, vyala, makara, and flying deities. A dedicatory inscription is engraved under the lotus.