Accession Number1980/2.292
TitleRoyal couple standing under a tree
Artist(s)IndianArtist NationalityIndian (South Asian)Object Creation Date3rd century - 4th centuryMedium & Supportmottled pink sandstoneDimensions 11 1/4 in x 13 in x 3 1/2 in (28.58 cm x 33.02 cm x 8.89 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. Leo S. Figiel and Dr. and Mrs. Steven J. FigielLabel copyThe mottled pink sandstone of this fragmentary relief identifies its origins in the quarries of Sikri, a site in north central India that lies near to the major pilgrimage center of Mathura. From the first through third centuries, this region was the source of great innovation in sculpted imagery for all three of the major religions of the Indian subcontinent at that time: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
The charming couple presented here are a crowned king, who holds up his right hand in a gesture of reassurance, and his consort, who is in the guise of a nature goddess, holding an auspicious pot. The pair probably represents the parents of one of the jinas, the “spiritual victors” of Jainism.
Exhibited in "Divine Encounters, Earthly Pleasures: Twenty Centuries of Indian Art," 12/12/03-2/22/04.
Primary Object Classification Sculpture Primary Object TypefigureAdditional Object Classification(s)SculptureCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
couples
men (male humans)
royalty (nobility)