Hiranyakashipu, The Demon-King

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This version of the crowned demon-king, fanged to denote his demonic nature, is missing its decorative appendages. In some renditions of temple dramas, the characters, with the notable exception of Narasimha, are represented twice on stage. On this work, the fine detailing of the conical crown and jeweled diadem are clearly legible.

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