South Asia, India, 18th century. A finely carved ivory figure of Lord Krishna playing the flute, standing with crossed legs in the classic tribhanga pose and wearing a tall crown, jewellery and a garland. He stands on a turned wooden stand.

Krishna the flute player (Venugopala) is one of the most beloved images in Hindu devotion: his music calls the gopis, and by extension every soul, to divine love. Ivory figures of this kind were made for private shrines. This is probably an altar figure. Ex Diane and Sandy Besser Collection; museum exhibited.