Vishnu as Boar Avatar

18th century

Varaha, the boar avatar of Vishnu, supports and preserves the universe by resting on the hood of Ananta Shesha, the serpent of eternity, and a tortoise, both of which reside in the cosmic waters. Bhudevi, Varaha’s consort, sits on a lotus blossom at the tip of one of Varaha’s tusks. His arms are heavily bejeweled, and his palms are painted red. He holds a padma (lotus) in one hand and a gada (mace) in the other.

Paint on paper

10 1/8 x 7 1/2 in. (25.72 x 19.05 cm)

Overall h.: 17 3/4 in.

Overall w.: 14 in.

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

62.108

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Luminous: The Art of Asia, Oct. 13, 2011 - Jan. 8, 2012.

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing [on view July 16 - Dec. 5, 2021].

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

Learn more about Equity at SAM