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Arts in Southeast Asia Database
ArchitectureTower-niche: Binh Lam
The Prāsāda-typed niche of Binh Lam is the most beautiful niches of Early Binh Dinh period. The niche is decorated with Kāla-and-Makara gable resembling to Javanese art. The Javanese influence have had an important role since My Son A1 period and still continued up to this period. The superstructure of the Prāsāda-typed niche is designed as four superimposing tiers beautifully ornamented with several miniature towers. The spear-liked tympanum is decorated in the front of the Prāsāda-typed niche.
SculptureAnantasayin Pediment from My Son E
These niches are very similar to “Kutu” or “Chandhasala” in Indian art. That is to say they are low arches decorated with dragons. However, a curving Naga pattern has been added into the Cham art, making the niches have both curving in and curving out pattern. In the middle, there is a picture of Vishanu Anatasayin. This shows that this prasat was built under the influence of Hinduism.
SculptureKala-Makara Motif
Because the Indian-Chava influence started to feature again in My Son A1, the patterns on Rahu or dragon, populsr in Chava art, came into popularity again. However, kala-makala motif in My Son A1 has distinctive feature. Makala comes out of the ear of kala. Besides, it spits out chamois on both sides
SculptureBase with dancer and musician
Because the Indian-Chava influence started to feature again in My Son A1, sculpture in My Son A1 art is very gentle. The eyes are not protuding and there is no mustache. The lips are thin like Indian-Chava. The curving wearing cloth was also popular in Indian-Chava beforehand.
SculptureKartikeya on Peacock
Kartekeya is the son of Shiva. This is the reason why he always shows his childishness. Besides, he rides on peacock and holds diamond, which was previously the weapon of Indra.
SculpturePediment depicting Vishnu
Vishanu always has four arms holding a discus, a conch shell, a club and earthe and is the king of the universe. It is possible that the pediment shows that this Prasat was built for Vishanu, which was far less that those of Shiva.
SculpturePediment depicting Garuda and Naga
Vishanu is the guardian of the universe. He has two mouths: Garuda and Naga. Both appear on this pediment. Garuda is the mouth when he travels to palces, whereas Naga is his bed when he sleeps on the milk sea.
SculptureLion with both paws raising from Tra Kieu
Most of animal figures found at Tra Kieu are normally in dynamic movement, typical to this period. The lion figure of this period is also in the moving posture. The lion with the goat’s horn is called Vyala in Indian art.
