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Kuvera, King of the Yakshas

before 1947
(Sri Lankan, 1877–1947)
Ceylon
Ink on paper
In memory of Evelyn Svec Ward, gift of her husband, William E. Ward 1991.148
Location: not on view
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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Description

This drawing is based on a sculpture from the Buddhist site of Bharhut in north-central India. The sculptures of Bharhut were carved around 150 BC and are among the earliest examples of Buddhist relief sculpture.

Kuvera, also known as Kubera, is the name of the god of wealth. He is a leader of the yakshas, nature divinities who embody the life-giving forces of nature that produce abundance and, by extension, grant wealth and prosperity. Here he presses his hands together in adoration of the Buddha. The stiff, even lines reflect the carving style of the Bharhut sculptures.
Kuvera, King of the Yakshas

Kuvera, King of the Yakshas

before 1947

Ananda K. Coomaraswamy

(Sri Lankan, 1877–1947)
Ceylon

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