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Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, Honolulu, Hawai‘i. (Photo: David Franzen, 2014.)
Carved Statue of Krishna Playing the Flute
Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, Honolulu, Hawai‘i. (Photo: David Franzen, 2014.)
Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, Honolulu, Hawai‘i. (Photo: David Franzen, 2014.)
Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, Honolulu, Hawai‘i. (Photo: David Franzen, 2014.)

Carved Statue of Krishna Playing the Flute

Date20th century
MediumChloritic schist, paint, gold, copper alloy
DimensionsOverall: 38 3/4 x 15 x 9 1/2 in. (98.4 x 38.1 x 24.1cm)
ClassificationsStonework
Object number41.141
DescriptionThis sculpture depicts Krishna, the early embodiment of the Hindu god Vishnu, playfully playing a flute. Krishna was a cowherd who grew up in the mystical forests of Vrindavan where he met with his beloved Radha. Representations of the flute-playing Krishna are called Venugopala from venu, the Sanskrit word for flute, and Gopal, an epithet for Krishna. The enchanting melodies of Krishna’s flute attract the gopis or milkmaids.
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