Monolithic Pillar
Northern India, Mathura, early medieval period, 7th-8th century · 600s–700s · Cleveland Museum of Art
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From the museum
The central motif of this temple pillar is a pot, out of which vegetal forms exuberantly emerge, indicating bounty and abundance. The pot itself is decorated with lotus petals, leaves, and a band of pearls. The overflowing pot is a pervasive symbol in India to reference the prosperity and productivity that will result from worship and prayers at the holy site. It also symbolizes the auspiciousness and beauty of the created world.
The museum’s own description, in English. Licence: CC0
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Details
- Maker
- Northern India, Mathura, early medieval period, 7th-8th century
- Date
- 600s–700s
- Medium
- red sandstone
- Dimensions
- Overall: 109.9 x 25.4 cm (43 1/4 x 10 in.)
- Place of origin
- Northern India
- Held by
- Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · On view · 243 Indian and Southeast Asian
- Credit line
- Edward L. Whittemore Fund
Image: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0