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Yaksha

early 6th 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.
This sculpture marks the first phase of Indic sculptural production in central Vietnam. Stylistic hallmarks—robust figure, fleshiness of the face, wig-like hair, and elliptical earplugs—point to the artist’s familiarity with imagery of Gupta India (ca. 320–550). Models for such transmission remain unknown. The figure is a yaksha, a nature-spirit deity presided over in the Indian world by Kubera, guardian of the wealth of the earth and seas. The relief was excavated at the citadel of the urban center of Tra Kieu, an early Cham polity on the Thu Bon River upstream from Hoi An.

cat. no. 15

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Yaksha
  • Date: early 6th century
  • Culture: Central Vietnam
  • Medium: Sandstone
  • Dimensions: H. 26 3/4 in. (68 cm); W. 27 9/16 in. (70 cm); D. 6 5/16 in. (16 cm); Wt. 321 lbs (145.6 kg)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Lent by Museum of Cham Sculpture, Da Nang, Vietnam (20.2)
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art