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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2001.336
People
Unknown Artist
Title
The Wedding of Krishna and Rukmini, folio from a Bhagavata Purana Series
Classification
Paintings
Work Type
painting
Date
c. 1820
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Punjab
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/165789

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Dimensions
21.11 x 27.94 cm (8 5/16 x 11 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of John Kenneth Galbraith
Accession Year
2001
Object Number
2001.336
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
The painting depicts Krishna, the eight avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu who is worshipped as a deity in his own right, marrying Rukmini. Rukmini becomes the principal wife and queen of Krishna. The blue-skinned god is seated next to Rukmini. They face priests that are conducting the wedding ceremony. In front of them is a small fire. In Hindu wedding ceremonies, the bride and groom perform a ritual called mangalfera, in which they both walk around the fire four times, praying and exchanging vows of duty, love, fidelity, and respect. Two female musicians sit on the far left, and two women watch the ceremony from a window.

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu