Artwork preview

Model of a Stupa

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts a small, dark-colored, possibly metal or stone, Model of a Stupa by an unknown artist. The structure has a square base with a flat top, adorned with intricate carvings and figures on each side. The base supports a large, rounded dome with a decorative band around its middle. The dome is topped with a smaller, cone-shaped structure composed of stacked rings that taper towards the top. A small, rounded finial crowns the top of the cone. The entire structure is symmetrical and features a dark color with visible texture, suggesting it may be made of metal. The background of the image is light gray, with the object casting a subtle shadow.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 16th century
Medium:
Gilt-copper alloy with rock-crystal inset
Culture:
Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)
Dimensions:
440 × 624 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette