Mahakala

anonymous, c. 800 - c. 900

The second guard at a Shiva temple is Mahakala, who stands on Shiva’s left side. His demonic characteristics – wild hair, bulging eyes and open mouth, a fat body  and curled-up toes – make him the opposite of the graceful Nandishvara. It is likely that his left hand once rested on a club. His index finger points downwards, towards worshippers entering the temple.

  • Artwork typefigure, sculpture
  • Object numberAK-MAK-232-B
  • Dimensionsheight 75 cm x width 37.5 cm x depth 21 cm x weight 64 kg, width 38 cm x depth 21 cm
  • Physical characteristicsvolcanic stone (andesite)

Identification

  • Title(s)

    Mahakala

  • Object type

  • Object number

    AK-MAK-232-B

  • Description

    Beeld van Mahakala, deurwachter van Shivatempel.

Creation

  • Creation

    anonymous, Midden-Java

  • Dating

    c. 800 - c. 900

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  • School / Style

Material and technique

  • Physical description

    volcanic stone (andesite)

  • Dimensions

    • height 75 cm x width 37.5 cm x depth 21 cm x weight 64 kg
    • width 38 cm x depth 21 cm

Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    On loan from the Royal Asian Art Society in The Netherlands (gift of Herman Karel Westendorp, 1928)

  • Copyright

    Public domain

  • Provenance

    …; collection Jonkheer Van Holthe; purchased by Herman Karel Westendorp (1868-1941), Amsterdam; donated by him to the Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst, 1928;{Note RMA.} from whom on loan to the museum, 1972

Documentation

    • P. Lunsingh Scheurleer, Sprekende buiken, Aziatische Kunst 34 (2004), nr. 3, p. 42-47.
    • P.C.M. Lunsingh Scheurleer, 'De menselijke gestalte in de Aziatische beeldhouwkunst op de tentoonstelling Rijksmuseum aan Zee: Hemelse beelden uit Oost en West', Sculptuur Studies 2008 (2009), p. 12-17.
    • Pauline Lunsingh Scheurleer, 'Singosari-beelden in de Nieuwe Kerk', Aziatische Kunst 35/4 (2005), pp. 42-72.
    • T. van Erp, Twee poortwachters van een Ciwa-heiligdom uit de Prambanan-vlakte, uit: Maandblad voor beeldende kunsten, 6, 1929, 5, pagina 144-149 - afb.
    • Jaarverslag / Vereeniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst 4 (1923-1924), fig. 1-2.
    • P.C.M. Lunsingh Scheurleer, 'The Human form in Asian sculpture in the exhibition Rijksmuseum aan Zee: Heavenly sculptures from east and west', Sculptuur Studies 2008 (2009), p. 104-109.

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