Nepal: Dated Art
Dating of Art Iconographic Elements:
- Nepal Main Page
- Nepal Outline Page
- Kasa Malla Sculpture
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Others...
In approximately the 16th century it became common for Nepalese patrons to document the specific circumstances involved in the creation of sacred religious art. These inscriptions, which included the date of the image's creation, were often placed on the front of the work along with scenes depicting the donors. Prior to the 16th century, however, dated works are rare. Examples of these early dated works are crucial to art historians, as they provide benchmarks for stylistic analysis and comparative dating.
The images below represent dated works of art. The dates are from written inscriptions on the base, bottom or back of each sculpture or painting. Also see the article Paubha Inscriptions, Nepalese Inscriptions, in the Rubin Collection, edited by Ian Alsop.
Jeff Watt [updated 4-2020]
