Deified King, late 10th century
Chamexpand_more
Sandstoneexpand_more
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fundexpand_more 2003.59
On View in Gallery 213expand_more
This sculpture, likely of a deified king, originates from the Champa Kingdom, in what is today South Vietnam. A sculptor carved its bold forms at the height of the kingdom’s strength, when Champa maintained economic, political, and religious links with China, India, and the Khmer civilization in Cambodia. Champa rulers endorsed the concept of deified kingship, and their stylized portraits were at times integrated into court-sponsored Hindu and Buddhist temples, to which this sculpture might have once belonged. Enthroned, the king sits in a yogic posture holding lotus flowers in his outstretched hands, emphasizing his purity. The texture of the necklace beads resemble Rudraksha seeds, associated with the Hindu god Shiva, to whom Champa kings were devotees. His hairstyle, in elaborate braids, also refers to the powerful deity.
Details
- Title
- Deified King
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2003.59
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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