15th-16th century
India
Object qualities
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Objecttextile (towels, carpets, etc.): Fragments
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumSilk; samite
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SizeLargest Fragment: L. 11 9/16 in. (29.3 cm) W. 7 in. (17.8 cm)
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Geography detailsAttributed to
India -
Country today
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Date15th-16th century
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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This silk textile composed of fifteen fragments, including two in a private collection, depicts three forms of the vyala, a mythological creature whose leonine body is combined with parts of other animals. This form had its origins in traditional Indian art, where it was used in architectural settings as a symbolic guard for Hindu temples. Here, all three vyalas are winged, and the central form has the head of an elephant.