Untitled
The Met
Artist: Unidentified
Date: ca. 1800
Department: Asian Art
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Ink and wash on J. Whatman paper watermarked 1798
Dimensions: Sheet (folded): 16 1/8 × 10 1/16 in. (41 × 25.5 cm) Sheet: 16 1/8 × 20 1/8 in. (41 × 51.1 cm)
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2021
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
Intricate line drawing of a tall architectural column featuring a multi-armed figure, monster face, and animals
Detailed Description
This black and white line drawing depicts a tall, elaborately ornamented architectural column on a plain, light-colored background. The column is rendered with fine, detailed lines. At the top, a wide capital features multiple horizontal bands of intricate patterns. The uppermost band displays small, repeating architectural motifs, while a band below it shows various animals, including a camel-like creature and birds, interspersed with other decorative elements. Below the capital, a large, stylized monster face with wide, round eyes, a prominent nose, and a wide, toothy grin dominates the upper part of the column shaft. It has elaborate, scroll-like ear projections and a decorative fringe below its chin. The column shaft below the monster face is segmented by various decorative bands and motifs, including floral or geometric patterns. Approximately midway down the shaft, a standing, multi-armed figure is carved. The figure wears an an elaborate headdress, intricate jewelry, and a patterned garment, with its many arms extending outwards. Below the multi-armed figure, the column continues with more decorative bands and smaller figures. The lowest visible section of the column features a small shrine-like structure with a seated figure inside, flanked by other small figures.
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