Pair of Deity Earrings with Vishnu on Garuda (front) and chepu (monster mask) (back)

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Pair of Deity Earrings with Vishnu on Garuda (front) and chepu (monster mask) (back) as jewelry (Nepal, Kathmandu Valley · 1600s or 1700s).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

These larger-than-life earrings would hang on a deity statue in a Nepalese temple, rather than worn by a person.

SERENDIPITYA little unexpected

FamiliarWeird

A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this jewelry as Gold set with precious and semi-precious stones.

The museum's collection notes: A green Vishnu with four arms, each holding his attributes of discus (his upper right hand), mace (upper left), lotus (lower right), and conch (in pearl, lower left) rides on a coral Garuda with lapis wings, arms outstretched. The blue figures on either side are probably celestial beings praising him in dance postures, with one leg crossed over the other. On the back sides, delicate filigree floral scrolls form the backdrop of a protective mask popular in the Nepal; a sun over a crescent moon are inlaid above his head.

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtPair of Deity Earrings with Vishnu on Garuda (front) and chepu (monster mask) (back)

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