Figure Item Number: Eg146 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Female seated on the back of a swan holding a lute in her hands. Elbow resting on her raised knee to right. Wears tiered headpiece. The swan holds foliage in mouth. All on square pedestal base.
History Of Use
For use in a small temple or household.
Cultural Context
daily worship
Iconographic Meaning
Represents Saraswati, goddess of learning and culture, an aspect of the consort of Vishnu. Her vehicle is hamsa, or the swan.
Item History
- Made in India
- Collected between 1955 and 1973
- Owned by Victor Hardy before December 11, 1979
- Received from Victor Hardy (Donor) on December 11, 1979
What
- Name
- Figure
- Identification Number
- Eg146
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- bronze metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- cast and incised
- Overall
- height 8.3 cm, width 8.0 cm, depth 4.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- South India
- Previous Owner
- Victor Hardy
- Received from
- Victor Hardy (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- India
When
- Collection Date
- between 1955 and 1973
- Ownership Date
- before December 11, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on December 11, 1979
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork; carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 105
- Accession Number
- 0580/0182