This iconic sculpture is in the ground floor lobby of the Asian Art Museum.

Nandi, approx. 1400-1500
India; Tamil Nadu state
Granite
Gift of the Atholl McBean Foundation, B68S3

The bull Nandi is the faithful mount of the Hindu deity Shiva.

In southern India, a large sculpture of Nandi would usually be placed in front of the main sanctuary of a temple to Shiva. It would face the sanctuary, so that Nandi could gaze adoringly at the representation of his master enshrined there. Because of this orientation, worshipers entering the temple compound would approach the sculpture of Nandi from behind.

Here, Shiva's bull is decked with garlands, strings of bells, an elaborate blanket, and other decorations carved into the stone. In the temple, it would also have been wreathed in real flowers and fabrics.

Scanned using a Canon S95 and the 123D Catch desktop app.