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Antique Koh Ker Style Stone Mounted Khmer Vishnu Head - 43cm / 17"
Measures (Height) 43cm/17"
The power emanating from this compelling Vishnu image characterises 10th century, Koh Ker style.
Vishnu is both world protector and preserver, restorer of moral order - he is all-powerful and all-pervasive by nature.
The Koh Ker period is a relatively obscure but fascinating epoch in Khmer history. Nestled in the dense forests of northern Cambodia, Koh Ker served as the capital of the Khmer Empire for a brief period during the 10th century.
This era is marked by a remarkable architectural legacy and a glimpse into the political, cultural, and religious dynamics of the time. While overshadowed by the grandeur of Angkor, the Koh Ker period has a story of its own that deserves recognition.
As is typical with this style the Vishnu has a soft face and high Chignon, surmounted by a lotus flower. His tiara or jatamukuta (crown of hair) is also richly decorated. A tradition that continued to develop in Cambodia from the 10th century to the post-Angkor period.
The features of Vishnu demonstrate a prominent nose, jutting lower lip and firm chin. This is typical of the Koh Ker style. Probably an idealised portrait of King Jayavarman IV who implied that his rule was divinely sanctioned through association with both Vishnu and Shiva iconography.
His pendulous earlobes are pierced to allow jewelled earrings to be added to the sculpture. These would be worn, by the sculpture, during important religious ceremonies.
Initially, this sculpture may have been of Lokeshvara. The front of the Chignon originally may have shown a meditating Buddha. The removal of this Buddha changes the statue to one of Vishnu. It was not unusual for the subject of a sculpture to be modified as the religious and political climate changed.
The Vishnu is loose mounted on a wood base (later).
To aid with safe shipping your Vishnu will be wood crated before shipping. There is no additional cost for this packing, crating and shipping service.
Provenance: Ex- private London collection.
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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.
