May 23, 2017–June 1, 2021
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Dates
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Location
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery | Gallery 26
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Collection Area
Southeast Asian Art
Through a range of local styles, techniques, and materials, the artworks in this exhibition reveal understandings of power in Southeast Asia. Large and small objects from Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand are clustered to explore the powers of warfare, water, snakes, and the feminine. These themes are both culturally specific and universally resonant.
During the first millennium CE, maritime Southeast Asia became a network of trading polities boasting cosmopolitan emporiums. Inland dynasties established urban capitals. Flourishing during the ninth through the fourteenth century, these cities towered with temples and supported sophisticated courtly cultures. Their rulers fostered innovative artistic and architectural creations that blended imported ideas with local traditions.
Cities arose at the archaeological areas of Angkor (Cambodia), Prambanan and Majapahit (Indonesia), Bagan (Myanmar), and Si Thep (Thailand). In each place, Buddhist and Hindu schools from India gained traction. Deities including Bhairava, Agastya, and the goddess were worshiped, and potent symbols, such as water and snakes, served as markers of the divine.
Durga slaying the Buffalo Demon. F1914.54
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Durga Mahishasuramardini ("Slayer of the Buffalo Demon")
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Period
Central Javanese Period
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Geography
Java, Indonesia
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Material
Andesite
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Accession
F1914.54
Naga oil lamp
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Geography
Java, Indonesia
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Material
Copper alloy
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Accession
S2023.9.1
Kneeling male deity
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Geography
Java, Indonesia
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Material
Bronze
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Accession
S2023.9.5
The Divine Sage Agastya
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Period
Singosari period
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Geography
East Java, Indonesia
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Material
Andesite
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Accession
S2023.9.6
Ritual vessel with naga
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Geography
East Java, Indonesia
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Material
Copper alloy
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Accession
S2023.9.7
The Goddess Uma
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Period
Angkor period
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Geography
Cambodia
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Material
Sandstone
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Accession
S1987.909
Lintel
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Period
Angkor period
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Geography
Northeast Thailand or Cambodia
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Material
Sandstone
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Accession
S1987.953
Baluster-form jar
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Period
Angkor period
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Geography
Cambodia or Northeast Thailand
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Material
Stoneware with iron glaze
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Accession
S1996.117
Baluster-form jar with spout
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Period
Angkor period
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Geography
Cambodia or Northeast Thailand
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Material
Stoneware with iron glaze
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Accession
S1996.118
Naga ring
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Period
Bangkok period
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Geography
Rattanakosin, Thailand
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Material
Gold
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Accession
S2018.5