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Loving Devotion: Visions of Vishnu

Krishna Dancing with a Ball of Butter

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Krishna Dancing with a Ball of Butter
Tamil Nadu, India, 19th century
Bronze
3 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 11.2 inches
Collection of the Newark Museum, 96.63.3
Image courtesy of the Newark Museum

The spirited posture of this Krishna figure communicates a child’s excitement at obtaining a ball of butter—a coveted treat. The infant Krishna gleefully prances in a dance of victory that embodies the joy of play, or lila, a characterization of Krishna’s nature for which he is known and adored. His stylized movement is recognized from traditional Indian dance and echoed in paintings and sculptures. This love of play is central to Krishna—bhakti—where gods and mortals interact as playmates.

Lila of the Gods—BYU Museum of Art "Loving Devotion"

All photographs and videos have been provided by Entrepid Productions with support from Andrew Hair, Daniel King, and Garth Pratt.