Figure, of Harihara

This gilded bronze figure of Harihara, a seated combination of the Hindu Gods Vishnu and Shiva, was made in Bangkok in Thailand. It dates from the late 18th century.

The figure of Harihara is seated and has four arms holding special emblems -in the lower left, the conch shell (Sankha); in the upper right, the disc (chakra) of Vishnu; in the upper left, the trident (sula) of Shiva; and in the lower left, his sceptre (danda). It also has the third eye of Shiva on the forehead and a costume of richly decorated cloth, including a loin wrap (dhoti). The figure is adorned with elaborate jewellery and a gem-studded crown. The figure is painted in red and green.

The Hindu God Harihara combines the qualities of both Vishnu, the preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer/creator. This sculpture is of particular interest because representations of Hindu gods are rare in predominantly Buddhist Thailand.

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