Decorated Column
Unknown Artist
late 10th century
Medium
Sandstone
Dimensions
H. 52 in. (132.1 cm); W. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm); D. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture & Period
Thailand · Angkor period
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. George Lindemann, 1997
Accession Number
1997.434.2
Art Historical Context
This intricately carved sandstone column, to the late 10 century, hails from Thailand during the Angkor period time when the Khmer Empire's influence flourished across Southeast Asia. Standing at over 4 feet tall with a slender profile (H. 52 in.; W. 7½ in.; D. 7¾ in.), it exemplifies the architectural sculpture typical of Khmer temples, where such elements supported pavilions, galleries, or sanctuaries adorned with symbolic motifs. Crafted from durable sandstone, a favored medium for its workability and longevity in tropical climates, the column likely features floral patterns, mythical crea...