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Conch Shell Vessel Holder with Hevajra
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Conch Shell Vessel Holder with Hevajra
THAILAND; 12th century; Bronze; H: 12 cm;Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
The bronze conch shell vessel holder was once used to contain consecrated water. The central image is a three-headed Hevajra with 16 arms fanning out behind him. Flanked by two attendants, he stands on a pedestal, trampling a demon. The arched background is decorated with naga heads.
The bottom of the base is in the shape of a spiral shell which opens upwards. There are five standing lions at the opening with their legs raised, supporting the pedestal. On both sides of the spiral shell there are naga kings with their heads upturned and their tails upright.
This item was created to resemble the sculpture at the portico of Prasat Hin Phimai in Thailand. |
