God Vishnu

This 9th-century bronze Vishnu stands about 7 inches tall and comes from Bangladesh or Eastern India, placing it within the Pala period (8th-12th centuries CE). Pala bronzes are among the most refined examples of South Asian metalwork, produced at major Buddhist and Hindu centers including the monasteries of Nalanda (near modern Patna) and Kurkihar (near Bodh Gaya). The alloy traditionally used eight metals (ashtadhatu), believed to have auspicious properties.

Vishnu is one of Hinduism's principal deities, known as the Preserver within the Hindu trinity alongside Brahma (Creator) and Shiva (Destroyer). During the Pala period, both Buddhism and Hinduism flourished in eastern India, with royal patrons supporting art for both religions. Small portable bronzes like this served as focal points for home shrines and private devotional practice, allowing daily puja (worship rituals) in domestic settings. The figure is at the Art Institute of Chicago.