Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Head of a Male Divinity
Not on view
The identity of this divinity is uncertain. While the distinctive conical diadem is characteristic of Vaishnava iconography, the third eye evokes Shiva. The figure likely occupied a heavenly sphere populated by Brahmanical deities, cast in a role submissive to the Buddha’s Law. Perhaps it related to a jataka story in which a bodhisattva appeared in a former life as a Shaiva hermit. This face was molded, probably from a fired-clay matrix used for other figures in the same decorative program at Phra Pathom Chedi.
cat. no. 150
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
