Ragini, possibly Asavari: Folio from a Ragamala Series

Ragini, possibly Asavari: Folio from a Ragamala Series

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

In this pictorial metaphor for a raga (a musical phrase that is used as the basis for improvisation), a lady charms the snakes entwining the adjacent trees. The tree motifs frame the young woman, seen against a monochromatic ground with arching skyline, gesturing to the snakes who respond to her movements. In a related theme, the Abhiri Ragini, the woman feeds the snakes milk from a bowl.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ragini, possibly Asavari: Folio from a Ragamala SeriesRagini, possibly Asavari: Folio from a Ragamala SeriesRagini, possibly Asavari: Folio from a Ragamala SeriesRagini, possibly Asavari: Folio from a Ragamala SeriesRagini, possibly Asavari: Folio from a Ragamala Series

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.