A LARGE SANDSTONE FIGURE OF A MALE DEITY, ANGKOR PERIOD, BAPHUON STYLE
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Description
Khmer Empire, 11th century. Well carved in a slender profile, wearing a short sampot tied at the waist with a butterfly knot at the back, secured with a low belt with one end shown in curved pleats on his left thigh. The serene face sensitively modeled with almond-shaped eyes and full lips. The finely braided hair gathered into a domed topknot encircled by a beaded band.
Provenance: From the private collection of Camille Mines (1950-2018), Luxembourg. By family repute acquired by his father, Rene Mines, in the local trade before 2000. By descent to Robert Mines. A copy of a provenance statement written and signed by Robert Mines, dated 22 January 2024, confirming the above, accompanies this lot.
Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, signs of weathering and erosion, losses, small chips, nicks, scratches, and few touchups.
Weight: 47.2 kg (excl. stand)
Dimensions: Height 118 cm (excl. stand) and 119 cm (incl. stand)
Mounted to a modern metal stand. (2)
Expert's note: This figure was likely part of a triad in a chapel of an unidentified temple in the vicinity of Angkor Thom. Its style relates to sculptures recorded from the Baphuon temple, a monumental step-pyramid dedicated to Shiva, built as the state temple by King Udayadityavarman II (r. 1050-66). The classicism of the sculpture, stripped of its excess, shows an aestheticism that in its simplicity portrays refined elegance and power. The Baphuon period favored this more polished aesthetic rendering forms with an idealized sense of both beauty and grace. The numerous curved pleats on the figure's left thigh are a rather unique detail, almost reaching the knee.
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related sandstone figure of a male deity, probably Shiva, dated mid-11th century, 116.2 cm tall, formerly in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1987.414, deaccessioned in 2023. Compare a related sandstone figure of Shiva, dated early 12th century, 76.8 cm tall, in the Cleveland Museum of Art, accession number1941.25.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby's New York, 22 September 2020, lot 344
Estimate: USD 150,000 or approx. EUR 164,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A gray sandstone figure of Shiva, Khmer, Baphuon style, circa 11th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and manner of carving. Note the slightly smaller size (94.6 cm).
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