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Antique Phnom Da Style Stone Khmer Hari Hara or Vishnu & Shiva Head - 44cm/18"
Measures (Height) 44cm/18"
An antique Phnom Da style stone pre-Angkor image of Hari Hara, that extraordinary deity, half Vishnu and half Shiva, in whom two aspects of one divine phenomenon are conjoined.
Stylistically, this lovely pieces relates to the school of sculpture associated with the pre-Angkorian centre of 8th century Phnom Da, southern Cambodia.
Vishnu (Hari), the cosmic force of creation and Shiva (Hara), the cosmic force of destruction, represent the two opposing but complimentary forces of life and death that endlessly interact to perpetuate the world.
Based on descriptions in ancient Hindu literature, the Harihara iconography was first formulated in India during the Gupta period. The deity was split vertically, half Vishnu and half Shiva.
The Vishnu half of the sculpture weighs a mitre on the head and the Shiva half displays a matted chignon formed by loops of hair. His eyes are downcasts as he extends grace to devotees.
Half of the Trilochana of Shiva can be seen on his forehead - the Three-Eyed Lord. It is the eye of wisdom, free from Maya, the illusion, and duality of life. It is also believed to be the source of his untamed energy.
Arched eyebrows, moustache, expressive lips, aquiline nose and open eyes define the face. The image is mounted on a wood base.
Scholarly Reference:
New York Metropolitan Museum Collection - Reference: 77665
To aid with safe shipping your Head will be wood crated before shipping. There is no additional cost for this packing, crating and shipping service.
The perfect traditional in appearance Vishnu to bring serenity and timeless style to you home, office or sacred space.
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The majority of orders will be shipped with DHL. This is a secure, express and fully tracked service.
Items less than 2Kg we typically ship using Royal Mail.
Once we receive your order we try to ship all orders the same or next working day.
Large and/or fragile pieces requiring palletising, specialist crating and/or extra packaging may take a little longer. Palletised shipments will be delivered curbside.
All orders over 35 GBP will be shipped free of charge.
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We genuinely hope that all purchases delight.
However, if they do not, regardless of reason, we will refund all orders upon receipt of the unwanted item. Just notify us within 14 days of receiving your order that you wish to make a return and send the piece back to us with 30 days of delivery.
