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

Central Thailand

7th–early 8th century

Not on view

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

Socle for a Dharmachakrastambha (Wheel of the Law) Pillar with Squatting Lion-Headed Figures, Sandstone, Central Thailand — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

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

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

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

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

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)

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