Artwork preview

Two box panels with mithuna couples

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Two rectangular panels side by side, made of light-colored material, possibly ivory or carved wood. Each panel depicts a couple in an embrace. The man and woman on the left panel face right; the man on the left has his arm around the woman's waist and his hand on her hip; she has her right hand on his arm and her left on his shoulder. The man and woman on the right panel face left; the man on the right has his arm around the woman's waist and his right hand on her back; she looks back at him and has her left arm around his neck. The figures wear traditional Indian attire and jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, and a headpiece. The background of each panel features intricate carvings of floral patterns and foliage. A carved pillar separates the two panels. The panels have a decorative border around the edges. The background behind the panels is black. The artwork is by an unknown artist and is titled "Two box panels with mithuna couples".

Artwork Details

Date
late 17th–early 18th century
Medium
Ivory backed with gilded paper
Culture
India (Tamil Nadu)
Dimensions
600 × 450 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette