Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Unique 1806 Kurma Vishnu Tortoise Avatar Antique Print - Hindu Engraving

$228.09
£167.37
€190
CA$310.79
A$350.06
CHF 181.28
MX$4,251.32
NOK 2,302.71
SEK 2,184.31
DKK 1,446.01
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Title: Unique 1806 Kurma Vishnu Tortoise Avatar Antique Print - Hindu Engraving Description: This remarkable antique print, titled "IIme Incarnation, de Vichenou en Tortue," illustrates Kurma, the tortoise avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, one of his ten principal incarnations (Dashavatara). The deity is depicted with a human upper body adorned with an ornate headdress and intricate jewelry, transitioning into a tortoise lower body with a detailed, textured shell. Vishnu holds symbolic items, including a conch, representing his divine role in preserving the universe. The fine line work and intricate patterns capture the mythological significance of Kurma, who is believed to have supported Mount Mandara during the churning of the ocean in Hindu scriptures. The copperplate engraving was created by Jean-Baptiste Marie Poisson after an illustration by Pierre Sonnerat, a renowned French naturalist and explorer. It was published in Sonnerat’s influential travelogue, Voyage aux Indes Orientales et à la Chine (Dentu, Paris, 1806), which documented his observations of Eastern cultures during his travels. The copperplate engraving technique, prevalent in the early 19th century, allowed for the fine detailing seen in the deity’s elaborate attire and the textured shell of the tortoise form. This print provides a fascinating insight into early 19th-century European interpretations of Hindu mythology, reflecting the period’s growing curiosity about Eastern traditions. The aged paper and subtle patina enhance its historical charm, making it a valuable piece for collectors of mythological art, ethnographic studies, or early 19th-century engravings. Its connection to Sonnerat’s seminal work adds to its cultural and historical significance. Condition Report: Good condition for its age, with minor foxing and light browning on edges. Slight creasing at corners and minimal wear on margins, but the central image remains clear and intact. No tears or significant damage observed. Framing Tips: Use a double mat in a neutral shade to highlight the print's details. Select a dark wooden frame to complement its antique style. Choose UV-protective glass to prevent fading, and avoid direct sunlight exposure.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.23 in (28.5 cm)Width: 8.47 in (21.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1806
  • Condition:
    Condition Report: Good condition for its age, with minor foxing and light browning on edges. Slight creasing at corners and minimal wear on margins, but the central image remains clear and intact. No tears or significant damage observed.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13429-351stDibs: LU3054345081982

More From This Seller

View All
Unique 1806 Buddha Vishnu Avatar Antique Print - Hindu Engraving Collectible
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Unique 1806 Buddha Vishnu Avatar Antique Print - Hindu Engraving Collectible Description: This serene antique print, titled "IXme Incarnation de Vichenou, sous le nom de Boud...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Historic 1806 Shiva and Vishnu Harihara Antique Print - Hindu Deity Engraving
Located in Langweer, NL
Historic 1806 Shiva and Vishnu Harihara Antique Print - Hindu Deity Engraving Description: This exquisite antique print, titled "Chiven et Vichenou, sous le nom de Singara narainen,...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Historic 1806 Matsya Vishnu Fish Avatar Antique Print - Hindu Engraving
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Historic 1806 Matsya Vishnu Fish Avatar Antique Print - Hindu Engraving Description: This captivating antique print, titled "L'Incarnation de Vichenou en Poisson," portrays M...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

1806 Engraving: Vishnu's Divine Majesty in Hindu Iconography
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 1806 Engraving: Vishnu's Divine Majesty in Hindu Iconography Description: This striking antique print, titled "Vichenou, Faisant ablation," showcases the Hindu deity Vishnu i...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Unique 1806 Vamana Vishnu Dwarf Avatar Antique Print - Hindu Engraving
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Unique 1806 Vamana Vishnu Dwarf Avatar Antique Print - Hindu Engraving Description: This fascinating antique print, titled "Vme Incarnation de Vichenou, en Nain Brame," depic...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Exquisite 1806 Kamadeva Love God Antique Print - Hindu Engraving Collectible
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Exquisite 1806 Kamadeva Love God Antique Print - Hindu Engraving Collectible Description: This enchanting antique print, titled "Manmadin, Dieu de l’Amour," portrays Kamadeva...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Siva, Visnu, Brama - Indian Costumes - Lithograph - 1862
Located in Roma, IT
Siva, Visnu, Brama - Indian Costumes   is a Hand-colored lithograph on paper realized in 1862. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: ...
Category

1860s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

The Other Incarnations of Vishnu - Costumes - Lithograph - 1862
Located in Roma, IT
The other incarnations of Vishnu - Costumes    is an original lithograph on paper realized in 1862. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the unive...
Category

1860s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Antique Indian Tanjore Goddess Laxmi Painting
Located in New York, NY
Antique Tanjore Indian painting of Laxmi, the goddess of beauty, wealth and prosperity. She sits resplendently on a lotus flower, symbol of enlightenment. The elephants playfully spr...
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Paintings

Materials

Wood

Uses and Customs - Indian Rajah - Lithograph - 1862
Located in Roma, IT
Uses and Customs - Indian Rajah is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " History of the gov...
Category

1860s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp (1874-1950) Statue of Vishnu Garuda, Bali, 1904
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Statue of Vishnu Garuda, Bali, 1904 Signed with initials Pencil and ink on paper, 21.4 x 21.3 cm Literature: Bruce W. Carpenter, W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp. First European Artist in Bali, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Paintings and Screens

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of The Royal Golden Barge, Myanmar. C.1800
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of the Royal Golden Barge Copper-plate engraving Published C.1800 Unframed.     
Category

Antique Early 1800s English Chinoiserie Prints

Materials

Paper