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Surya, the Sun God

second half of 7th to early 8th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This male deity, wearing a faceted crown framed by a circular nimbus, may be identified as Surya, the solar god who holds two lotus buds or blossoms in his raised hands to evoke the life-affirming power of the sun. As a divinity of West Asian origin, Surya preserves in Indian renditions a memory of that region’s dress—a long tunic and high boots. In Southeast Asia, he retains the distinctive robe but does not wear high boots. At least three stone icons of Surya have been recovered at Si Thep, a settlement predominantly dedicated to Vaishnava worship and to Buddhism.

cat. no. 70

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Surya, the Sun God
  • Date: second half of 7th to early 8th century
  • Culture: Central Thailand
  • Medium: Sandstone
  • Dimensions: H. 36 1/4 in. (92 cm); W. 13 3/8 in. (34 cm); D. 7 1/16 in. (18 cm); Wt. 474 lbs (215 kg)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Lent by National Museum, Bangkok
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art