Rare 9th C. Khmer Angkor Quartz Lingham Seal w/ Ganesha
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Description
Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Khmer Empire, Angkor Period, ca. 9th to 13th century CE. A superb and rare rock crystal (quartzite) carved into a lingam shaft, the base face is deeply etched with Ganesha, the elephant headed deity known as the "Remover of Obstacles?, seated in lotus position. Ganesha is also the Lord of Plenty or the god of auspiciousness, highly revered as the regulator of all obstacles with the power to create and remove them. Followers traditionally ask for his blessings at the beginning of any new paths or serious endeavors. Lingam, Sanskrit for "shaft of light" or "pillar of fire," are abstract representations of the Hindu god Shiva, their phallic shape alluding to Shiva?s transcendent power and generative energy. As described in the Lingapurana, the square base is symbolic of Brahma, the creator, the octagonal plinth represents Vishnu, the protector, and the rounded top represents Shiva. It is unclear if this was also used like a seal for stamping Ganasha's likeness into wax or clay. Size: 1" L x 1" W x 3" H (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 7.6 cm)
Compare to a smilar quartz linga that sold at Christie's, auction # 9212 "Indian and Southeast Asian Art," September 17th, 1999, Lot # 233.
Provenance: Private Young collection, New Hampshire, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#182764
Compare to a smilar quartz linga that sold at Christie's, auction # 9212 "Indian and Southeast Asian Art," September 17th, 1999, Lot # 233.
Provenance: Private Young collection, New Hampshire, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#182764
Condition
Some abrasions and striations to the interior stone matrix, but otherwise intact and great condition. Ganesha has light mineral deposits on the recessed surface.
Buyer's Premium
- 26.5%
Rare 9th C. Khmer Angkor Quartz Lingham Seal w/ Ganesha
Estimate $2,400 - $3,600
6 bidders are watching this item.
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Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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Auction Curated By
Owner/Executive Director, Antiquities & Pre-Columbian Art
PhD. Art History, Director, Fine & Visual Arts
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