Architectural antefix in form of a makara finial

late 14th–15th century

Not on view

This architectural finial for a temple has assumed the form of a mythical dragon creature, clearly derived from the Indic makara but with strong indigenous elements, such as the prominence given to the snake-like body rather than that of the more traditional crocodile. Here the bearded dragon appears to emerge from the jaws of a makara, represented at the base of the finial. Temple building at Sukhothai was in both laterite and fired brick, rendered with a thick dressing of stucco and with the addition of architectural adornments and antefixes in both sandstone and, as seen here, in glazed ceramic.

Artwork Details

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Title: Architectural antefix in form of a makara finial
Date: late 14th–15th century
Culture: North-central Thailand, Sukhothai kilns
Medium: Stoneware with iron-brown underglaze décor
Dimensions: H. 27 3/4 in. (70.5 cm); W. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm); D. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm)
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Gift of Samuel and Gabrielle Lurie, 2019
Object Number: 2019.570.9
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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