Model of a Temple with Guardians: Famous Sculpture

Q: Where can I see it?

At the Art Institute of Chicago. About 15 by 9 inches in tuff stone.

This 14th-century tuff stone model depicts a miniature temple flanked by guardian figures. Tuff is volcanic stone commonly used in temple construction across Southeast Asia. Temple guardians (known as dvarapalas or yakshas) protected sacred spaces from evil spirits and unworthy visitors. They appear at the entrances to temples throughout the Hindu-Buddhist world.

Miniature temple models served multiple purposes: votive offerings to temples, architectural references for construction, or devotional objects for personal shrines. This piece preserves details of building techniques and decorative schemes that help scholars understand the architecture of lost or damaged full-scale temples. At about 15 by 9 inches in tuff stone, it's at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Known as dvarapalas or yakshas, they protected sacred spaces from evil spirits and unworthy visitors. Guardian figures flanked temple entrances throughout the Hindu-Buddhist world, from India to Java to Cambodia.

Miniature models served as votive offerings, architectural references for construction, or devotional objects for personal shrines. They also preserve details of building techniques and decoration that help scholars understand full-scale temples.

Volcanic stone formed from consolidated volcanic ash. It was commonly used for temple construction in Southeast Asia because it was relatively light, easy to carve, and available near volcanic sites. It holds detail well despite being softer than granite.

At the Art Institute of Chicago. About 15 by 9 inches in tuff stone.

Model of a Temple with Guardians

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