Vasudhara, Goddess of Abundance
Unknown Artist
1300s–1400s
Medium
gilt bronze and semiprecious stones
Dimensions
h. 16.2 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
1947.493
About this artwork
In Nepal this female counterpart of the god of wealth is one of the most popular divinities. This image was set up in either a domestic shrine or a Buddhist monastery, where devotees would pray to her for wealth, prosperity, and children. In each of her six arms she holds objects pertaining to life and abundance: jewels, an overflowing pot, and a sheaf of wheat. A Buddhist philosophical text rests on top of the lotus flower she holds in her topmost left hand, suggesting that wealth and prosperit...