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Lintel Depicting Vishnu Anantasayin and the Birth of Brahma
Not on view
This lintel depicting a beloved creation myth in Hindu cosmology, the birth of Brahma, represents the beginning of this subject’s portrayal in Southeast Asia. The composition is dominated by the majestic figure of Vishnu outstretched in slumber on the coils of the world-snake Ananta. Above, Brahma sits on the lotus from which he emerged, rising from the sleeping Vishnu’s navel. Two celestial celebrants attend, framed by an arch edged in flames. This depiction can be compared to that on a tympanum from My Son, central Vietnam, also dated to the mid-seventh century (cat. no. 76). Zhenla Cambodia and Cham Vietnam were engaged in active politicial and cultural exchange at this time.
cat. no. 75
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