Hari – Hara
Description
This syncretic image of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (shiva) is shown seated in padmasana. Hari is shown wearing pitambara (yellow dhoti), a crown with a peacock feather, nose ring, earrings, armlets, and elaborate necklaces. He is shown with long curly hair.
Hari (Shiva) is shown with jatabhara (matted locks) with a snake. Another snake can be seen near his shoulder. He is wearing tiger skin dhoti and is adorned with earrings, elaborate necklaces and armlets, and bracelets of rudraksha beads. He is holding a tanpura (string musical instrument) and trishula (trident). The third eye of Shiva can be seen on the forehead.
Kalighat paintings originated in the vincity of the kallighat temple in Kolkata. Paintings depicting religious themes, and divinities were sold as souvenirs to devotees visiting the temple as well as to tourists. Besides religious themes, the Kalighat paintings also have themes from daily life.
The Kalighat painting style continues even these days in some parts of Bengal. Along with religious themes, the contemporary Kalighat artists paint current events and important incidents.
Collection
Indian Miniature Paintings
Object Type
Painting
Material
Paper and watercolurs
Schools/Culture/Period
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Technique
Painting on paper
Date
19th Century CE
Location
Kalighat, West Bengal
Dimension
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