Antique Khmer Style Bronze Seated Vishvakarman Statue - Divine Architect - 59cm/24"

Antique Khmer Style Bronze Seated Vishvakarman Statue - Divine Architect - 59cm/24"

Measurements - Height 59cm/24" 

An antique Khmer style bronze seated post-angkor, 12th century Bayon style, Vishvakarman sculpture. 

In the rich tapestry of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Vishvakarma emerges as a fascinating and revered figure. Known as the divine architect, Vishvakarma is celebrated as the celestial craftsman who created the heavens, earth, and celestial abodes.

His role extends beyond that of a mere artisan; he symbolizes creativity, ingenuity, and the skillful mastery of crafts.

In Hinduism, Vishvakarma holds a prominent place as the chief architect of the gods. He is mentioned in the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts, where he is identified with the act of creation and craftsmanship. Over time, his persona evolved into that of a celestial artisan, builder, and engineer.

Vishvakarma represents the union of artistry and divinity, embodying the idea that creation, whether material or spiritual, requires both skill and inspiration. He is revered by artisans, engineers, architects, and craftsmen as their patron deity, and his worship acknowledges the divine aspect of human creativity.

In Buddhism, particularly in the Mahayana tradition, Vishvakarma is also acknowledged as a celestial figure associated with creation and skillful means. While his role is less prominent compared to Hinduism, he appears in Buddhist texts and folklore as a builder of sacred spaces and an embodiment of craftsmanship.

Vishvakarma is traditionally depicted carrying tools. Here he holds a hammer, chisel, axe, measuring tape, kalasha, mandala, sutra and conch shell. 

Vishvakarma, the divine architect, is a figure of immense significance in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. His mythology and symbolism transcend mere tales of craftsmanship, offering profound insights into the nature of creativity, skill, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Whether we see him as the celestial builder of heavens and cities or as a symbol of the creative potential within us, Vishvakarma’s legacy reminds us that every act of creation, no matter how small, is an opportunity to align with the divine and contribute to the beauty and harmony of the world.

Vishvakarman is represented seated pan handle on a decorated base. Here he is clothed in a pleated sampot can kpin with a graceful buckle at the waist. He is lavishly adorned with jewelry: pectoral, armlets, earrings, bracelets, and anklets. He wears a Khmer style crown upon his head to symbolise is divinity. 

The bronze is lost-wax cast integrally with the base.

Vishvakarman was unknown in the Khmer world until the twelfth century, a time that coincides with Jayavarman VII's initiation of his vast building program. Vishvakarman's name is first recorded in a stele inscription of 1191 connected with Jayavarman VIl at Preah Khan in Angkor. Although Vishvakarman was primarily a Hindu deity, he was also popular among Buddhists in Cambodia and was frequently represented by both religions during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, particularly in bronze. 

His softly contoured face with indigenous characteristic has a serene downcast expression, with heavy-lidded eyes, arched eyebrows carved in relief meet in the middle above a well-shaped broad nose, and wide lips with a gentle smile are framed by a second incised line.

This traditional in appearance piece is sure to add a unique touch to any room of your home or workplace.

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