Goddess of Dance (Nrtyadevi)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Polychromed wood sculpture from at least the tenth century survives in Nepal, in the form of both independent sculptures and architectural elements. This dancer, likely one of a pair, is a form of a Buddhist savior, a counterpart to such popular bodhisattvas as Avalokiteshvara in the form of Cintamani Lokeshvara, the wish-fulfilling jewel bearer. This goddess gestures with her lower hand, evoking her boon-granting power.

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