Yaki Surasundari

ca. 11th century

Rasa

Rasa-literally meaning sap or extract of plants-is a fundamental concept in the arts of India which refers to aesthetic experiences. The theory was developed by Bharata, a sage-priest active in the early Christian era, and originally was used in reference to theater and dance, then eventually applied to painting, sculpture, and other arts.

The viewer or audience is referred to as the rasika and plays an important role in the aesthetic experience. The energy that the viewer brings to the work of art individualizes each aesthetic encounter. In its original setting, a work of art may have had an entirely different effect upon the viewer than when seen in a museum.

Each rasa category is associated with and triggers different emotions and bodily responses. This human response is of the utmost importance in the theory of rasa, for it elevates the viewer out of the mundane and transcends him or her to a heightened state of sensory experience.

Red sandstone

27 1/4 x 9 x 5 1/2 in. (69.22 x 22.86 x 13.97 cm)

Overall h.: 39 in.

Overall w.: 9 3/4 in.

Margaret E. Fuller Purchase Fund

63.36

Not currently on view

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