Siddhapratima Yantra (Shrine of a Perfected Being)

Though small in size, the shrine is an elaborately detailed architectonic form. Traces of gilding cover the otherwise dark bronze-colored surface. An inlaid inscription is present on the back of the shrine; the inlay is silver. The back plate and the rest of the shrine are composed of brass. The shrine proper contains a significant amount of lead whereas the back has only a very minor amount. A silver inlaid inscription along the two sides of the rear inform us that the shrine was commissioned in the year 1333 by merchant Muladeva of the renowned Gurjara family. Paul Nugent [1] Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck, New York [2] To 1997 David Newman, London, to 1997 From 1997 Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from David Newman in 1997 Notes: [1] According to Curatorial Note 3, Vidya Dehejia, December 10, 1997 in the object record. [2] See note 1. Freer Gallery of Art Collection Body Image (October 14, 2017 - ongoing) Yoga: The Art of Transformation (October 19, 2013 to January 26, 2014) Arts of the Indian Subcontinent and the Himalayas (October 16, 2004 to January 3, 2016) Paul Nugent Nasli M. (1902-1971) and Alice N. Heeramaneck (1910-1993) David Newman