Vasudhara
gilt copper alloy and semi precious stones
Nepal
12th-13th century
height 20 cm – 8 in

This 13th century sculpture shows Vasudhara in all her voluptuous magnificence. Like her Hindu counterpart Lakshmi, Vasudhara is the Buddhhist goddess of abundance, wealth, good fortune and fertility. She is one of the most popular household deities of Nepal, implored for early riches as well as for fertility of field and womb.

She is seated in lalitasana, her right foot supported by a single lotus flower. She is clearly identified by her six arms, displaying characteristic mudras and four life-sustaining attributes. With her upper right hand, Vasudhara displays the abhaya mudra and in her upper left hand she holds a manuscript – the book of knowledge. In the middle pair of hands she holds the gem bundle and the rice bundle; her lower right hand displays the vitarka mudra and the lower left hand holds a full vase.

Vasudhara is adorned with beautiful jewellery – armlets, belt, necklace and towering crown – and has an elaborate hairdo. Her diaphanous dhoti clings to her legs and is incised with a geometric pattern. Her round face, thick lips and voluptuous figure are typical of the sculpture of the period.

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