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5. Ritual cup Nepal 18th century Carved rhinoceros horn Cm. 17,8 x 11,8 x H. 4 |
The big, heavy yoni-shaped cup has been made from a rhinoceros horn. The interior of this vessel is carved in relief with a four-armed manifestation of Vishnu, the god of preservation, with his spouse Lakshmi. Enclosed in a big flaming halo, both god and goddess are standing on a lotus flower and surrounded by their specific flaming halo. In the centre of the cup, Vishnu?s footprints are carved and framed with a floral motif. The conch-shell, Vishnu?s main symbol, has been carved at the mouth of the vessel. The rim of the vessel is etched with a pattern representing waves of water. The waves represented on the rim of the vessel refer to the ocean where Vishnu sleeps on the coils of the ferocious snake king, Ananta. Ruler of eternity and the underworld, Ananta vomits fire, destroying the universe at the end of every cosmic aeon according to the Vishnu-purāna, but protects the god in his sleep with the hoods of his heads. The mandorlas with flaming haloes carved on the exterior house the ten main descents (Sans. avatāra), here supported by lotus flowers, in which Vishnu manifests himself. Garuda, the mythical bird, is also depicted among the avatāra behind Vishnu and Lakshmi poised to take off with his divine load. He is flanked by two snakes. Private collection, Italy - Art Loss - ALC (Free Circulation) Detail: alternate view #1 Detail: alternate view #2 |