The Hindu deity Vishnu is considered the All-Pervading essence, that sustains through all cycles all creations and destructions. He is that which sustains, governs and develops the Universe. Through the rise and fall of universes and Vishnu is said to come to Earth as multiple avatars. In the future it is said that Vishnu will manifest as Kalki, the emanation eternity time at the end of this cycle the Kali Yuga. Garuda is the mount of the creator god Vishnu. He is traditionally depicted as having a golden body, white face, red wings, and an eagle's beak and wings but a man's body. He wears a crown on his head. He is ancient and is known to have extreme martial prowess and superlative skills of negotiation and bargain.
This South Asian antique bronze gives depth to it subject matter. Garuda’s wings are flourished full, each feather in place, below him defeated, hanging in the grasp of his claws are the snakes that Garuda outwitted (with the help of Indrah), thus saving the precious amrita (elixir of immortality). Above Garuda Vishnu sits in half lotus resonate in peace and contemplation. Four-armed, he holds a lotus, mace, conch and chakra (wheel). Worlds and universes are born and die but this deity is still in emptiness and fullness as forms and form itself arise from within him. This bronze, flavored by time is in very good condition. (SD)