Description:

Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Khmer Empire (Angkor culture), ca. 12th to 14th century CE. A masterful leaded bronze figure of the Hindu god Vishnu, one of the principal deities of the Hindu pantheon, created via the lost-wax process by artisans at the Khmer court. Standing on an integral, square plinth, he wears an ornate, knee-length skirt and belt, as well as a variety of necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and earrings. An intricate headdress crowns his head, while his 4 arms hold various implements associated with the deity. Size: 3" W x 7.375" H (7.6 cm x 18.7 cm)

The details are remarkable on this figure, especially of his ornament and clothing. In the Khmer style, these details are three-dimensional, suggesting that he was made to be viewed from all angles and perhaps placed in the center of a room. He has a rich appearance, doubtless based on what elite men at the Khmer court would have worn themselves. While this artwork was religious - priests supervised its execution - its realism is unmistakable and some scholars believe that gods and goddesses were portrayed with the features of individual members of the royal court. This sculpture and others like it would have both emphasized the power of the monarchy and given high ranking people joy - after all, who wouldn't want to see themselves portrayed by the finest artisans, compared to a god?

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

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#190010

    Condition:
  • Intact and excellent with wonderful areas of blue azurite and green/brown patinated surface.

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November 15, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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