Asian Art

Thai
Ayudhya Period (1378-1767)
Sea Monster (Makara)
terra cotta, 15th century Ackland Fund, 87.50

The makara is a sea-monster with both fish- and dragon-like characteristics. Its image is widely used as an architectural decoration in India, Sri Lanka and southeast Asia. This figure may have been part of the balustrade of an entrance stair, or it may have been a roof decoration.