Surya, the sun god, with performers, demi-gods, and mythical sea creatures

ca. late 10th century

Indian , possibly central Madhya Pradesh

This opulent carving once either curved above a sanctum image or acted as the upper part of an arch (torana) in front of the door to a sanctum. In the niche at the top stands Surya, the sun god, identifiable by two lotus flowers that open in his brilliant light. The temple this carving came from might have enshrined that popular deity or the god Vishnu, with whom Surya is often associated. On either side, rows of celestial musicians and flying garland bearers celebrate him. In the lower niches are the Ashvins, twin horse-headed demi-gods who represent sunrise and sunset. The arch shares the architectural vocabulary of the overall temple, including the same intertwined round window pattern that also covered the temple’s tower.

Sandstone

23 1/2 x 50 x 10 in. (59.69 x 127 x 25.4 cm)

Margaret E. Fuller Purchase Fund

66.10

Now on view at the Asian Art Museum

Resources

Exhibition HistoryNew York, New York, The Asia Society, "Gods, Guardians, and Lovers: Temple Sculpture From North India, 7000-1200 A.D.", 3/29-8/15/93; Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, March 29, 1993 - December 5, 1993, (03/29/1993 - 12/05/1993).

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing.

Published ReferencesArchives of Asian Art, XXI:102, 1967-1968

Seattle Art Museum Engagement Book, 8-3-69

Ehnbom, Daniel. "North Indian Temple Sculpture. New York. Asia Society Gallery," review in The Burlington Magazine, vol. 135, no. 1084 (July 1993), pp. 504-505, illus (b&w)

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