Shiva

Description In this image, Shiva is both a yogic teacher and a supreme king. Unlike most images of the god, he wears a crown, and his hair, usually matted into dreadlocks, falls onto his shoulders in fine curls. Seated in a yogic posture and holding a rosary, he imparts knowledge to his devotees. He also holds a citron-like fruit filled with the seeds of the universe, a drum that beats the rhythm of the cosmos, and a trident, symbolizing the totality of existence.

Conservation

Date	Description	Narrative
7/31/2001	Examination	examined for condition

Exhibitions

• Desire and Devotion: Art from India, Nepal, and Tibet in the John and Berthe Ford Collection. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara; Albuquerque Museum, Albuquerque; Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham; Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong. 2001-2003.

Provenance Collection of a retired professor from the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, until April 1972; purchased by John Ford, Baltimore, April 1972; given to Walters Art Museum, 2004.

Credit Gift of John and Berthe Ford, 2004