Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Throne Stele
Not on view
This enigmatic relief may be termed a “throne stele.” Given the prevalence of colossal stone imagery at Sri Ksetra, including large Buddha triads, it perhaps served as statement of royal power, its religious imagery designed to ensure political success by invoking magical protection. The stele is decorated in low relief on one side, probably intended as the front, the empty throne likely evoking the Buddha’s presence. On the reverse are three warrior figures, two holding standards associated with Vishnu. Buddhism and Vaishnavism enjoyed royal patronage concurrently at the city of Sri Ksetra.
cat. no. 12
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