VISHNU SCULPTURE FROM CHAIYA, SURAT THANI

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to specify the period of time when the Vishnu stone sculpture from Wat Salathueng, Chaiya, Surat Thani province, was consecrated. The study focuses on the development of Vishnu holding the conch shell in Indian Art. This Vishnu Sculpture is currently on display at the National Museum Bangkok. The sculpture expresses the local craftsmanship with the influence of Indian art. Professor Jean Boisselier suggested that this Vishnu sculpture belongs to Amaravati School of Art, which flourished in the South of India during 2nd-5th century, and it is the oldest Hindu sculpture found in Southeast Asia. This Vishnu Sculpture holds a conch shell in its lower left hand exposing the hollow of the shell.

The study of the development of Vishnu sculptures holding conch shells from the Indian schools of art finds that the holding of conch shells with the lower left hand exposing the hollow of the shell was first found in the Gupta School of Art and in the late Amaravati school of art (after Ikshvaku Dynasty) during the 4th-5th century.

Therefore, this article proposes that Vishnu Sculpture from Chaiya, Surat Thani, may have been consecrated during the 4th- 5th century