Jambhala (Kubera)

TC 80

Jambhala (Kubera)

TC 80

Description

This roundel of Kubera, the God of wealth and also the guardian of the western (north) direction was placed on the west wall of the stupa, which was probably the front side of the monument. Pot-bellied Kubera is seated in the midst of acanthus leaves, a style peculiar to the Mirpur Khas artist. The curves of the leaves gracefully blend and harmonise with the folds of his garments. He wears a three-peaked tiara, necklace, big earrings, a kamarabandha and armlets and holds a singular emblem of the lotus in his hand. His hair falls in neatly organised tassels right below his shoulders. He is seated in the Ardhaparyankasana slightly leaning to his right aligning with the curve of the roundel. The image is important as one of the early representations of Kubera. Besides being auspicious. The roundel must have also served as a decorative piece on the outer wall of the stupa.

Collection

Sculptures

Object Type

Architectural fragment

Material

Terracotta

Schools/Culture/Period

Gupta period

Technique

--

Date

C. 5th Century CE

Location

Mirpur Khas, Sindh

Dimension

Dia- approximately 20 cm