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Dharma Wheel
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Dharma Wheel
THAILAND; Dvaravati Kingdom (circa 6th–13th century), circa 8th–9th century; Sandstone; Diameter: 160 cm; Guimet Museum of Asian Art, Paris, France
The wheel, thought to have once adorned the top of a column, was created during the Dvaravati Kingdom (circa 6th-13th century) and is stylistically dependent on Indian models. A square hub is at the center surrounded by a triple axle, the two decorated outer circles. What were probably meant to be the twelve spokes of the wheel are in the form of tapering columns with a foliated capital. Between each spoke is a spear-head motif. Lotuses interspersed with geometric motifs are about the felloe, giving way to a floral rim. The snarling creature at the bottom was where the wheel was mounted on the column. |
