Parcel gilt silver model of a Gopuram
CultureIndian
Dateca. 1900
MediumSilver and parcel-gilding
DimensionsPart (tower): 10 5/8 × 7 1/4 × 6 3/8 inches (26.99 × 18.42 × 16.19 cm)
Part (top element of tower): 3 3/8 × 2 7/8 × 2 5/8 inches (8.57 × 7.3 × 6.67 cm)
Part (figure): 2 3/8 × 1 × 3/4 inches (6.03 × 2.54 × 1.91 cm)
Part (top element of tower): 3 3/8 × 2 7/8 × 2 5/8 inches (8.57 × 7.3 × 6.67 cm)
Part (figure): 2 3/8 × 1 × 3/4 inches (6.03 × 2.54 × 1.91 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: through the generosity of Dr. Dev and Shibani Maulik in honor of the 70th anniversary of India's Independence
Object number2016.50.2.1-3
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 224
Collections
DescriptionThis sculptural model replicates the towering form of a South Indian temple gateway (gopuram) with architectural and figural details renderd through embossing and color variation created through areas of plain silver finish and gilding. The object has a seperate, removable cap with finials, and moving doors that open to reveal a seperate gilt-silver figure of Vishnu, thus referencing an actual temple shrine itself. unique design features that contribute to the appeal of the work include the inclusion of accurate architectural decoration, door guardian figures in relief, and an alternating brick pattern in silver and gold on the lower walls.Exhibition HistoryNo additional exhibition history known at this time.
This highly detailed sculpture adopts the form of a South Indian temple gate (gopuram) in order to create a model of a Hindu temple. It is complete with working doors and a golden statue of the god Vishnu. Elaborate models were often presented to retiring British governors. In this case, the recipient was Arthur Oliver Villiers Russell, Lord Ampthill. He was the British Governor at Madras from 1900–1906.
Arthur Oliver Villiers Russell, Lord Ampthill, (1869-1935), United Kingdom, by 1906-1935 [1];
With Wynyard Wilkinson, London, by 2015;
Purchased from Wilkinson by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 2016.
[1] Sir Arthur Oliver Villiers Russell served as Governor of Madras from 1900 to 1906. This may have been a gift presented to him upon retirement from his positions in India.
No additional published references known at this time.
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