ABS 352
Code: ABS 352
Country: Nepal
Style:
Date: 1400 - 1500
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 10.4
Materials: Gilt Copper
Chandra – The Moon God
In Buddhist cosmology, the moon god Chandra is believed to ride across the sky every night in a chariot pulled by seven male wild geese, in the same way as Surya, the sun god rides across the sky every day in a chariot pulled by seven horses.
This finely crafted sculpture of Chandra shows him seated on a risen platform representing the chariot pulled by seven ganders. He wears an ornate crown with five leaves and elaborate bodhisattva jewellery inlaid with turquoises and garnets.
This sculpture was cast in copper and its surface has been richly gilt. The gentle expression of the face and the virtuosity of the design demonstrate the high level of skill of Nepalese Sculptors during the Kasha Malla period. There is a bent copper tang beneath the sculpture, indicating that it was once part of a larger ensemble. Although Chandra is a very popular deity in Nepal and was frequently depicted in paintings, statues of Chandra are very rare. An example is exhibited in the British Museum.
In Buddhist cosmology, the moon god Chandra is believed to ride across the sky every night in a chariot pulled by seven male wild geese, in the same way as Surya, the sun god rides across the sky every day in a chariot pulled by seven horses.
This finely crafted sculpture of Chandra shows him seated on a risen platform representing the chariot pulled by seven ganders. He wears an ornate crown with five leaves and elaborate bodhisattva jewellery inlaid with turquoises and garnets.
This sculpture was cast in copper and its surface has been richly gilt. The gentle expression of the face and the virtuosity of the design demonstrate the high level of skill of Nepalese Sculptors during the Kasha Malla period. There is a bent copper tang beneath the sculpture, indicating that it was once part of a larger ensemble. Although Chandra is a very popular deity in Nepal and was frequently depicted in paintings, statues of Chandra are very rare. An example is exhibited in the British Museum.