Statuette Depicting Vaikuntha Vishnu, Jammu and Kashmi, 4th - 7th century

Statuette Depicting Vaikuntha Vishnu or Vaikuntha Chaturmurti
Jammu and Kashmir, 4th - 7th century CE

Grey stone
H. 15,5 cm
With base: 17,5 cm

Provenance
Galerie la Reine Margot, Paris
Private collection

This grey stone statuette represents Vaikuntha Vishnu or Vaikuntha Chaturmurti, a specific form of the god Vishnu associated with his transcendental aspect. Vishnu is depicted with three visible faces—the central one being human, while the lateral ones may correspond to zoomorphic aspects symbolizing his cosmic power. A circular halo surrounds his head, emphasizing his divine status. The god is richly adorned, wearing a finely sculpted loincloth and characteristic jewelry from Kashmiri iconography.

This piece reflects the artistic refinement of the Jammu and Kashmir region between the 4th and 7th centuries, a period marked by artistic and religious influences at the crossroads of the Indian and Gandharan worlds.

Comparable Works
Bronze, late 5th century, India, Jammu and Kashmir, former Kingdom of Kashmir, New York, MET, inv. 2004.177
New York, MET, inv. 1991.301