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Yaksha

Central Vietnam

early 6th century

Not on view

This sculpture marks the first phase of Indic sculptural production in central Vietnam. Stylistic hallmarks—robust figure, fleshiness of the face, wig-like hair, and elliptical earplugs—point to the artist’s familiarity with imagery of Gupta India (ca. 320–550). Models for such transmission remain unknown. The figure is a yaksha, a nature-spirit deity presided over in the Indian world by Kubera, guardian of the wealth of the earth and seas. The relief was excavated at the citadel of the urban center of Tra Kieu, an early Cham polity on the Thu Bon River upstream from Hoi An.

cat. no. 15

Yaksha, Sandstone, Central Vietnam — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Yaksha, Sandstone, Central Vietnam

Yaksha, Sandstone, Central Vietnam

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Yaksha

Date: early 6th century

Culture: Central Vietnam

Medium: Sandstone

Dimensions: H. 26 3/4 in. (68 cm); W. 27 9/16 in. (70 cm); D. 6 5/16 in. (16 cm); Wt. 321 lbs (145.6 kg)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by Museum of Cham Sculpture, Da Nang, Vietnam (20.2)

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