Standing Ganesha

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This animated sculpture shows Ganesha with the svelte body of a dancer. The artist has enhanced the figure’s dynamic pose by eliminating most connection points with the framing halo and by carving the forearms separately and then attaching them with pegs (as evidenced by the socket of a now-lost arm). X-rays of the figure reveal a consecratory deposit in its chest. In Nepal, Ganesha is revered by both the Hindu and Buddhist communities. In Buddhist temples, his image is often placed at the entrance, along with the great protector Mahakala.

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