Image title: Indra (Nepal, 9th century)

This Copper sculpture shows an image of Indra (Ancient Vedic King of the Gods), from the 9th/10th century origination from Nepal.—Materials used: Copper alloy, gilt.

Description: In this superb cast image Indra sits at case holding a symbolic lotus seed in his hand extended in charity (varada mudra). His expression is benign and, unique to him, his third eye is horizontal. He wears a magnificent three-crested crown but is otherwise chastely ornamented. His lower body is draped with a loin-cloth decorated with rosettes co simulate a textile pattern.

Note: These images depict Indra, king of the gods, intrepid warrior, lord of the atmosphere, and in contemporary Nepal, one of the principal rainmakers. Three images are superb examples of a Nepalese metal-craft technique called “repoussé,” a French word meaning “pushed back.” They were made by hammering sheet copper into relief. This technique is illustrated in Gallery G devoted to metal technology.

Gallery information:

The Patan Museum is located on the Durbar square of Patan (Lalitpur/Lalitapura, Kathmandu, Nepal) which is associated Keshav Narayan Chowk (Keshavnarayan)—a form of Lord Vishnu. Being listed as a World Heritage Site, the whole of Durbar square is filled with exquisite temples, sculptures and other ancient structures, of which the ancient history history can be traced to the Malla Kings of Lalitpur. It is an important site for both Buddhism and Hinduism.