Handle with Intertwined Figures

13th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 252

This elaborate openwork handle for a ritual vessel is composed of a five intertwined nagas, snake deities charged with the protection of the earth’s waters and its riches. The nagas appear with human torsos, snake hoods, jewels, crowns, and extended snakes bodies. As this handle likely formed part of vessel for ritual lustration, naga imagery would be highly propitious.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Handle with Intertwined Figures
Period: early Malla period
Date: 13th century
Culture: Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: H. 6 1/8 in. (15.5 cm); Gr. W. 1 9/16 in. (4 cm)
Classification: Metalwork
Credit Line: Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Perry J. Lewis Gift, 1990
Object Number: 1990.43
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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