This sculpture of Indra seated
in royal ease (rajasana), with the right arm resting
on his knee and the left supporting him, shows the balance and
elegance achieved by Newar metal craftsmen. Commonly recognized
by his horizontal third eye, Indra is a god from the ancient
Indian Vedic system, which is preserved and practiced essentially
only in Nepal. This work, dated prior to the 16th century, provides
an anchor for historians constructing a chronology of Nepalese
art. The date allows for a more accurate stylistic analysis
of other comparable objects, such as the smaller sculpture of
Indra in this section. Notice the similarity in the modeling
of the body and the distinctive crown and ornamentation.