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Garuda

first half of the 7th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
The mythical human-bird Garuda is intimately associated with Vishnu, serving as the god’s celestial vehicle, and he also has a generic function as a defender of faith. At the Buddhist site of Khu Bua, Garuda must be understood as a protector of the Buddha and the Buddha’s dharma. The frontal rendering is consistent with the Indian model developed from the fourth to the sixth century in north Indian Gupta art, where Garuda served as the insignia of the royal household. Garuda is typically represented combating his traditional enemy, the snake (naga), and he may have held two serpents in his raised hands (now lost).

cat. no. 77

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Garuda
  • Date: first half of the 7th century
  • Culture: Western Thailand
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: H. 18 7/8 in. (48 cm); W. 15 3/8 in. (39 cm); D. 4 3/4 in. (12 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Lent by National Museum, Bangkok (1406/2504)
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art