Artwork preview

Stair Riser with Marine Deities or Boatmen

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts a rectangular, dark brown stone carving. The carving features a column on the left side, adorned with a decorative top. To the right of the column, there are seven male figures carved in relief. The figures are dressed in loincloths and appear to be holding various objects, including what seems to be a spear or javelin, and other long objects that could be interpreted as staffs or weapons. The figures are arranged in a procession-like manner, with each one facing forward and some appearing to be in motion. The background of the image is a plain gray color, with a subtle shadow cast by the carving. The title of the piece is 'Stair Riser with Marine Deities or Boatmen'.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 1st century
Medium:
Serpentinite
Culture:
Pakistan (ancient region Gandhara (Swat Valley?)
Dimensions:
600 × 600 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette