Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Throne Crossbar with Makara Finial
Not on view
This throne crossbar once graced a monumental enthroned Buddha ensemble at Nakhon Pathom, likely the seated Buddha later transferred to Wat Na Phra Men in Ayutthaya or a similar ensemble, now lost. The crossbar is decorated with classic Mon-style alternating flower and lozenge motifs with vegetal meander infill. The terminal depicts a horned makara (aquatic monster) whose fanged jaws reveal a rearing lion, the lion’s roar being a metaphor for the Buddha’s propagation of the dharma.
cat. no. 114
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.