The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 26, 2024

Kuvera, King of the Yakshas

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

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.
  • ?-1991
    William E. Ward [1922-2004], Solon, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    1991-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Indian Gallery 242 Rotation – April-November 2017. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (April 10-November 6, 2017).
    Signs of Affection: Gifts Honoring the Museum's 75th Anniversary. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (October 27, 1992-January 3, 1993).
  • {{cite web|title=Kuvera, King of the Yakshas|url=false|author=Ananda K. Coomaraswamy|year=before 1947|access-date=26 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1991.148