Kubera c. 8th century

sculpture

muted dark tone

structure

stone

sculpture

sculptural image

unrealistic statue

carved into stone

sculpting

sculpture

ruin

statue

This sandstone sculpture of Kubera, the Hindu god of wealth, dates back to the 8th century and is currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Carved in a seated posture, Kubera is adorned with elaborate jewelry and a crown, his plump physique symbolizing abundance. The intricate details of the sculpture, including the decorative halo behind his head, showcase the artistry of anonymous Indian sculptors of the period. This piece, typical of the Gupta period, highlights the devotion towards deities in ancient Hindu art.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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In early Indic religions, the pot-bellied Kubera was the king of semi-divine nature deities known as yakshas, protective spirits who guardedearthly treasures. By the 500s CE, the concept of Kubera, the god of wealth and abundance, was absorbed into Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist religious pantheons. In this sculpture, carved from a similar pinkish sandstone as the Mughal jali behind it, the deity holds in his left hand a cup for enjoying wine, and his now-missing left hand once held a sack of jewels. Befitting the god of riches, Kubera sits at ease, wearing elaborate ear ornaments and his sash relaxed, flanked by two female attendants fanning him with fly whisks.