Cambodia, Khmer, 12th to 13th century CE. Bronze standing Parvati - also known as Uma. The goddess Uma, also known as Parvati, daughter of the mountains, was the consort of Shiva. When she finally attracted Shiva, after a long and physically grueling courtship, she shared with her the secrets of the world, a conversation that would lead to the dispersal of this elite knowledge amongst the wise. Shiva’s exploits were represented on the relief carvings of Angkor Wat, the center of the Khmer dynasty and the largest religious monument in the world. Thus, Uma was a favored goddess of Khmer artists for her important stature in the Hindu hierarchy. This extraordinary bronze sculpture depicts the goddess standing straight, holding a rolled up scroll in her left hand and the stem of a fragmented plant in her right. She is adorned by an elaborate floral diadem and necklace of pedal-shaped pendants. The intricate carving of her conical coiffure imitates the form of a lotus bulb. Her ears droop down to her shoulders from the weight of her ear ornaments. She wears two bands high up on her arms, both decorated with rosettes in the center, and two heavy anklets just above her feet. Her voluptuous torso is exposed while a long, pleated sarong covers her lower body, supported by a belt. Size: 5" H.

Provenance: Ex: Dr. Charles Smithen, Palm Beach, Fl, acquired before 1990.

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#102554

Generally excellent