Vishnu

800s

Vishnu, 800s. Nepal. Schist; overall: 43.8 cm (17 1/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 1980.194 The axial stance and somber expression visually amplify the powerful nature of this four-armed Hindu god. The crown and fine textiles communicate his regal qualities. In his upper left hand, a conch shell signals the start of battle or the sound of OM at the opening of a mantra recited to quell inner demons. Vishnu’s followers glorify his ability to destroy demonic forces that bring imbalance and disorder, both throughout the world and within oneself. The dark stone was highly polished and once gleamed like bronze.