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Throne Crossbar with Makara Finial

first half of the 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 throne crossbar once graced a monumental enthroned Buddha ensemble at Nakhon Pathom, likely the seated Buddha later transferred to Wat Na Phra Men in Ayutthaya or a similar ensemble, now lost. The crossbar is decorated with classic Mon-style alternating flower and lozenge motifs with vegetal meander infill. The terminal depicts a horned makara (aquatic monster) whose fanged jaws reveal a rearing lion, the lion’s roar being a metaphor for the Buddha’s propagation of the dharma.

cat. no. 114

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Throne Crossbar with Makara Finial
  • Date: first half of the 8th century
  • Culture: Central Thailand
  • Medium: Schist
  • Dimensions: H. 18 1/2 in. (47 cm); D. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm); L. 38 9/16 in. (98 cm); Wt. 324 lbs (147 kg)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Lent by Phra Pathom Chedi National Museum, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand (626/2519)
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art