Cleveland Museum of Art

Lovers (Mithuna)

Date

c. 973

Medium

sandstonewith limestone wash

Culture

Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Sikar, Harshagiri, Pratihara Dynasty, 10th Century

Department

Indian and Southeast Asian Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Along with the adjacent architectural frieze with dancer and musicians, this tender scene was built into the exterior wall of the now ruined Purana Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Erotic imagery depicting couples interacting with each other in various postures were important components on the exterior of Hindu temples. They underscore the infinite beauty and abundance of the created world.

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