Four-Armed Vishnu (Vishnu Chaturhuja)
ca. late 8th century
Various forms of both Hinduism and Buddhism were carried from the Indian subcontinent to much of Southeast Asia along ocean trade routes, probably beginning early in the first millennium. In Southeast Asia, people selectively melded these religions with local beliefs and practices.
Its high, conical crown helps identify this sculpture as the hindu god Vishnu. Behind his shoulders, it is possible to see evidence of a second set of arms. The hands probably held four of the god’s identifying objects, including the chakra (disk), conch shell, and mace. For Vishnu’s followers, he is the ultimate deity, both omniscient and ever-present. He not only creates the world as we know it but also preserves, destroys, and re-creates it in an endless cycle. As early as the 5th century, rulers in parts of Southeast Asia considered Vishnu the divine king and began to identify themselves with him to augment their power and prestige.
Sandstone
20 3/4 x 7 1/4 x 3 in. (52.71 x 18.42 x 7.62 cm)
Overall h.: 24 in.
Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection
50.116