Close-up of the most sophisticated Cham altar in Da Nang

Quoc Le

07:25 - 08/09/2024

Preserved and displayed at the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, Dong Duong altar number 22.24 is considered a sculptural masterpiece of the Champa culture.

Soi tung goc canh dai tho tinh xao nhat cua nguoi Cham

This artifact is living evidence of a brilliant period of development in culture, beliefs, architecture and sculpture of the Champa kingdom more than 1,000 years ago.

Soi tung goc canh dai tho tinh xao nhat cua nguoi Cham-Hinh-2

This artifact was found at Dong Duong relic , which used to be a Buddhist center of the ancient Champa kingdom, located about 20km south of My Son citadel, now in Binh Dinh Bac commune, Thang Binh district, Quang Nam province.

Soi tung goc canh dai tho tinh xao nhat cua nguoi Cham-Hinh-3

The altar dates from the 9th-10th century, made of sandstone, consisting of 24 stone blocks fitted together. Overall dimensions of the artifact: Height 197 cm, length 396 cm, width 354 cm.

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The structure of the altar is divided into four parts: the bottom base, followed by the large altar with a square base, above the large altar is a small square altar and a higher altar, placed against the back of the large altar.

Soi tung goc canh dai tho tinh xao nhat cua nguoi Cham-Hinh-5

The outer walls of the steps and around the altar are carved with Buddhist cultural themes, depicting the three stages of the life of Buddha Shakyamuni, from his birth to his practice and attainment of Buddhahood. There are also scenes of royal life.

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Researchers assess that the Dong Duong 22.24 altar is the most complete, unique, original altar with its contents expressed in a distinct form, not similar to any other altar in the Champa culture in Vietnam.

Soi tung goc canh dai tho tinh xao nhat cua nguoi Cham-Hinh-7

This artifact is living evidence of a brilliant period of development in culture, beliefs, architecture and sculpture of the Champa kingdom more than 1,000 years ago.

Soi tung goc canh dai tho tinh xao nhat cua nguoi Cham-Hinh-8

This was the period when Buddhism flourished in the history of the Champa kingdom, marking a distinct period of development compared to other periods of this kingdom.

Soi tung goc canh dai tho tinh xao nhat cua nguoi Cham-Hinh-9

The altar is one of the typical artifacts associated with the Dong Duong temple and tower relic, a relic ranked as a special national relic by the Prime Minister in December 2016.

Soi tung goc canh dai tho tinh xao nhat cua nguoi Cham-Hinh-10

The sculptural lines and decorative patterns on the altar are considered one of the typical elements of an artistic style, marking an important stage in the historical development of Champa sculpture.