CC0 · no rights reserved
Pendant with Matsya (fish incarnation of Vishnu) defeating Hayagriva
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
Three emeralds and many pearls surround the central part of this pendant, which features a scene from the life of Matsya at the center. The fish incarnation of the preserver god Vishnu, Matsya appears in the middle, defeating the demon Hayagriva, who emerges from a shell, grasping him by the hair. Encircling the battle are plants, flowers, and designs indicative of ocean waves. The four-headed god Brahma also watches from the left side. Below the main scene, two smaller teardrop-shaped ornaments hang down. They feature scenes of predator birds, which may allude to the courtly falcon hunts of rulers.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit linePendant with Matsya (fish incarnation of Vishnu) defeating Hayagriva, 1800s. Northwestern India, Rajasthan Pratapgarh. Gold, enamel, emeralds, and pearls; overall: 11.8 x 5.8 cm (4 5/8 x 2 5/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade, 1916.119