Krishna as the flute-playing cowherd (Venugopala)

ca. 1700 - 1900

Although now missing his flute, which might have been precious metal, the posture of Krishna’s hands shows that he is the handsome boy who tempted the village women into the forest with his magical music. His pink-tinted palms emphasize his beauty and his elaborate dress is that of a prince rather than a cowherd. This delicate carving displays an extraordinary level of craftsmanship which, along with the use of expensive ivory, shows it to have been made for a very wealthy patron.

Ivory and pigments

6 3/4 x 2 3/8 x 2 inches

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

68.91

Now on view at the Asian Art Museum

Resources

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

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