Garuda (Vishnu's Mount) Seated in Royal Ease

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Garuda is the great solar bird ridden by the Hindu god Visnhu. In this representation, however, his only birdlike characteristics are wings, the tips of which have been broken off. He sits in the relaxed posture of maharajalilasana (royal ease) and projects a noble and serene presence. He probably attended a statue of Vishnu.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Metropolitan Museum of Art