Roof ridge finial

Place of OriginSukhothai, Thailand; Sukhothai

Dateapprox. 1400-1550

MaterialsStoneware with painted decoration under glaze

DimensionsH. 20 2/3 in x W. 14 7/8 in x D. 6 7/16 in, H. 52.5 cm x W. 37.8 cm x D. 16.3 cm

Credit LineThe James and Elaine Connell Collection of Thai Ceramics

Object number1990.16

DepartmentSoutheast Asian Art

ClassificationsSculpture

On View

On view

Location

Gallery Location Gallery 10

Text Entries

Object Label

Glazed ceramic ornaments like this were placed at the ends of the ridge of a steeply pitched roof, helping to give the building the complex and spiky silhouette usually favored in Thai architecture.

The half-figure of a heavenly being with hands together in a respectful gesture appears frequently in Thai art.
When such figures decorate temples, they suggest that the heavenly beings are flocking in to worship the Buddha inside.

Subject