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Socle for a Dharmachakrastambha (Wheel of the Law) Pillar with Squatting Lion-Headed Figures

7th–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 socle served as part of a dharmachakrastambha ensemble, a spoked wheel surmounting a tall pillar with a rectangular foot. It is carved with animated renderings of a squatting lion-headed figure flanked by floral vine tendrils, repeated on each elevation. The depiction of a lion-headed human was likely intended to evoke the “lion’s roar” of the Buddha’s First Sermon at Sarnath, an allusion to the popular Buddha epithet Sakyasinha, “lion of the Sakya clan.” The vegetal decoration is characteristic of architectural temple remains from Nakhon Pathom and is a distinguishing motif of that school.
cat. no. 125

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Socle for a Dharmachakrastambha (Wheel of the Law) Pillar with Squatting Lion-Headed Figures
  • Date: 7th–early 8th century
  • Culture: Central Thailand
  • Medium: Sandstone
  • Dimensions: H. 17 1/8 in. (43.5 cm); W. 26 3/4 in. (68 cm); D. 26 in. (66 cm); Wt. 890 lbs (403.7 kg)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Lent by Phra Pathom Chedi National Museum, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand (633/2519)
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art