Indian it is ... but what ?

Peter Hudson · 5th December 2022, 06:13 PM

I think its a shield with artwork from the Ramayama ...When Rama hears Sita has been taken, he and his brother Lakshman set off on a quest to save her. On their journey, Rama and Lakshman travel to Kishkindha, the kingdom of monkeys. They befriend the monkey king Hanuman, who helps the brothers. Learning that Ravana has taken Sita to his island kingdom of Lanka, they set off with a vast monkey army to get her back. please see https://asia.si.edu/the-epic-that-inspired-diwali/

Peter Hudson.

fernando · 6th December 2022, 11:02 AM

Thank you Perter. I would never make it myself. Your suggestion is rather plausible

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Gustav · 6th December 2022, 01:41 PM

Well, the central tondo depicts Durga killing the demon Mahishasura.

At least three avatars of Vishnu are recognizable - Matsya (fish), Kurma (turtle) and Narasimha, disemboweling Hiranyakashipu.

There is a possibility of at least one other Vishnu's avatar - Parashurama, depicted with axe, bow and quiver.

Perhaps there are also a couple of episodes of a certain tale, but I rather doubt it's Ramayana.

Interested Party · 6th December 2022, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gustav

Well, the central tondo depicts Durga killing the demon Mahishasura.

At least three avatars of Vishnu are recognizable - Matsya (fish), Kurma (turtle) and Narasimha, disemboweling Hiranyakashipu.

There is a possibility of at least one other Vishnu's avatar - Parashurama, depicted with axe, bow and quiver.

Perhaps there are also a couple of episodes of a certain tale, but I rather doubt it's Ramayana.

Gustav, you beat me to the punch. I do not see episodes I recognize from the Ramayana. The gods seem to be victorious in these scenes. The crux of the story of Ravana is that the gods could not defeat him, therefore Rama and his brothers had to be born. I do see Durga and Vishnu as mentioned. I wish I had the time this week to identify the rest. I love a good iconographic puzzle.

Gustav · 7th December 2022, 10:13 AM

Very likely at least one other avatar of Vishnu, Varaha, is also depicted, on the left tableau. The layer of painting is gone exactly at that place, but possibly the outline of boars trunk can be recognized on the centaur-like figure.

I think we quite surely can see this table top (?) in a Vaishnavite context.

Gustav · 7th December 2022, 10:21 AM

And here in the left tableau we most likely see another Vishnu's avatar , Vamana, in his boy-like shape with umbrella, before King of Asuras, Bali.

Gustav · 7th December 2022, 10:38 AM

And the last two: on the left Vishnu's avatar Rama, on the right Vishnu's avatar Krishna, killing king Kamsa.

7th December 2022, 10:13 AM	#5
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,273	Very likely at least one other avatar of Vishnu, Varaha, is also depicted, on the left tableau. The layer of painting is gone exactly at that place, but possibly the outline of boars trunk can be recognized on the centaur-like figure. I think we quite surely can see this table top (?) in a Vaishnavite context. Attached Images

7th December 2022, 10:21 AM	#6
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,273	And here in the left tableau we most likely see another Vishnu's avatar , Vamana, in his boy-like shape with umbrella, before King of Asuras, Bali. Attached Images

7th December 2022, 10:38 AM	#7
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,273	And the last two: on the left Vishnu's avatar Rama, on the right Vishnu's avatar Krishna, killing king Kamsa. Attached Images

5th December 2022, 06:13 PM	#1
Peter Hudson Member Join Date: Jul 2020 Posts: 315	I think its a shield with artwork from the Ramayama ...When Rama hears Sita has been taken, he and his brother Lakshman set off on a quest to save her. On their journey, Rama and Lakshman travel to Kishkindha, the kingdom of monkeys. They befriend the monkey king Hanuman, who helps the brothers. Learning that Ravana has taken Sita to his island kingdom of Lanka, they set off with a vast monkey army to get her back. please see https://asia.si.edu/the-epic-that-inspired-diwali/ Peter Hudson.

6th December 2022, 11:02 AM	#2
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Thank you Perter. I would never make it myself. Your suggestion is rather plausible .

6th December 2022, 01:41 PM	#3
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,273	Well, the central tondo depicts Durga killing the demon Mahishasura. At least three avatars of Vishnu are recognizable - Matsya (fish), Kurma (turtle) and Narasimha, disemboweling Hiranyakashipu. There is a possibility of at least one other Vishnu's avatar - Parashurama, depicted with axe, bow and quiver. Perhaps there are also a couple of episodes of a certain tale, but I rather doubt it's Ramayana.