Collections: Asian Art: Garudasana Vishnu

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Garudasana Vishnu

Vishnu, the Preserver, is mounted on his vahana, or vehicle, the mythical bird Garuda.

• Medium: Gilt Bronze
• Place Made: Angkor Wat, Cambodia
• Dates: late 12th century
• Period: Khmer Period
• Dimensions: 6 5/8 x 3 1/2 in. (16.8 x 8.9 cm)
• Collections: Asian Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Asian Galleries, Southeast Asian Art, 2nd Floor
• Accession Number: 85.220.4
• Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Poster
• Image: Overall, 85.220.4_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Garudasana Vishnu, late 12th century. Gilt Bronze, 6 5/8 x 3 1/2 in. (16.8 x 8.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Poster, 85.220.4 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 85.220.4_SL1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Vishnu, four-armed, stands on the shoulders of the winged Garuda, who is in a stance of walking with one leg forward. Vishnu holds his usual attributes, including the chakra (wheel) in his uplifted right hand, a shanka (conch) in his uplifted left hand, and a gada (mace) in the lower left hand. The lower right hand expresses varada mudra, the gift-bestowing gesture. Garuda's arms are raised and his tail feathers curve upward and are attached to his back with a looped rod. The wing feathers are clearly modeled whereas those on his haunches are incised. The bronze clearly shows traces of gilding which was a common decorative technique in Cambodian bronze images. (lost wax casting, mercury gilding) Condition: Intact. Excellent malachite green patination and traces of gold. The object was brought to the Lab since the previously repaired join failed at the Photographer. Please see Treatment Report, 4/17/03.