Art Institute of Chicago
Four-Armed Sarasvati, Goddess of Learning, Seated in Lotus Position (Padmasana)
India
- Date
- Hoysala period, 12th century
- Medium
- Chlorite phyllite
- Culture
- Karnataka
- Department
- Arts of Asia
- Institution
- Art Institute of Chicago
Worshipped in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, Sarasvati derives her name from an ancient river in northwest India. Just as rivers sustain life, Sarasvati represents the ancient source of knowledge through the image of flowing waters. Here, she sits amid water, holding a palm leaf manuscript symbolizing knowledge in one hand and in the other a stringed instrument called a vina, symbolizing the harmonies and creative energies of the universe.
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- Object type
- AAT300301253
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