Krishna and Gopis

Currently not on view

Krishna and Gopis

17th - 18th century

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

When night falls, Krishna plays his flute deep in the forest. Dropping everything, from chores to children to husbands, the gopis (cowherdesses) pursue him. This diminutive bone carving shows Krishna playing his flute (now missing) as two gopis clasp his legs. The adoring women are so small and positioned so close to the princely god that they seem to merge with his body.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Krishna and Gopis

Date:

17th - 18th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Bone with traces of pigment

Dimensions:

2 5/8 × 1 1/8 × 5/8 inches (6.7 × 2.9 × 1.6 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994

Accession Number:

1994-148-364

Geography:

Made in Odisha, India, Asia

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Currently not on view