Panel of a Portable Shrine with Karttikeya, the God of War

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Here, the god of war Karttikeya, eldest son of Shiva and Parvati, is accompanied by a peacock, his vehicle, and a male donor presenting an offering. The deity is also associated with the rooster, likely the bird he holds in one hand. In his lower-left hand, he displays a victory laurel, marking his triumphs in combat, the most celebrated of which is the slaying of the demon Taraka. Karttikeya touches the donor’s head with the laurel, as if bestowing victory upon him.

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