Indian and Himalayan Art Stamp (Chhapa) in the Form of Vishnu's Footprints (Vishnupada) or made in West Bengal, India, AsiaMade in Bengal, Bangladesh, Asia Late 19th to early 20th century Artist/maker unknown, Bengali Copper alloy Currently not on view 1994-148-243 Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994 |
LabelAs part of their religious practice, devotees of Gaudiya Vaishnavism sometimes adorn themselves with auspicious marks using metal stamps (chhapa) coated with a paste made from sandalwood and water. This stamps in the form of Vishnu's footprints bears images of sacred symbols associated with the god, such as the conch shell, the disc (a solar weapon), the fish, and the lotus. |
