Apsara Statue - Antique Khmer Style Stone Angkor Wat Apsara or Angel Statue - 27cm/11"

Antique Khmer Style Stone Standing Apsara or Angel Statue - 27cm/11"

Measurements Height 27cm/11"

An antique Khmer style sandstone Apsara or Heavenly angel in 12th century Angkor Wat style.

The Apsara is a female spirit of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist mythology a celestial nymph or celestial maiden.

The ethereal Apsaras of Angkor Wat are among the most captivating features of this iconic temple complex, gracing its walls with their celestial presence. These divine female figures, elegantly carved in sandstone, represent a blend of spiritual symbolism, artistic mastery, and the unique cultural heritage of Cambodia.

As celestial dancers, guardians, and symbols of feminine grace, Apsaras hold deep cultural and religious significance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions alike.

Apsaras are beautiful, supernatural female beings. They are youthful and elegant, and superb in the art of dancing. They are often the wives of the Gandharvas, the court musicians of Indra. They dance to the music made by the Gandharvas, usually in the palaces of the gods, entertain and sometimes seduce gods and men.

As caretakers of fallen heroes, they may be compared to the valkyries of Norse mythology. As etherial beings who inhabit the skies, and are often depicted taking flight, or at service of a god, they may be compared to Angels.

Apsaras are said to be able to change their shape at will, and rule over the fortunes of gaming and gambling. They are also associated with fertility rites.

With the spread of Hinduism and later Buddhism into Southeast Asia, the image of the Apsara was adopted into Cambodian culture, where it evolved into a unique artistic and cultural symbol. In Cambodian tradition, Apsaras are not only celestial dancers but also embody the ideals of feminine beauty, elegance, and grace, making them a prominent feature in Angkorian art.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Apsaras of the Angkor period are the intricacy and variety of their carvings. Each Apsara is unique, showcasing different hairstyles, jewelry, garments, and postures. This level of detail reflects the advanced skill of Khmer artisans, who were renowned for their ability to imbue their sculptures with life and character. 

The artistic details of the Apsaras reflect not only the skill of Khmer sculptors but also the cultural significance placed on these celestial beings. Their ornate attire and graceful poses are symbols of divine beauty, embodying the ideals of femininity and spiritual harmony.

The Apsaras of Angkor Wat are more than just exquisite carvings on temple walls; they are symbols of Cambodia’s enduring spirituality, artistry, and cultural identity. Rooted in Hindu mythology yet shaped by Cambodian creativity, the Apsaras embody ideals of grace, beauty, and spirituality that resonate across generations.

As celestial dancers, protectors of sacred space, and icons of divine beauty, these figures remind us of the impermanence of worldly life and the transcendence that can be achieved through devotion and harmony.

Today, they remain a cherished part of Cambodia’s heritage, a lasting testament to the Khmer Empire’s artistic brilliance and the timeless allure of the divine.

Enlighten your modern interior with this stunning antique style Khmer Apsara from HD Asian Art that with traditional design is sure to add an exotic touch to your modern interior. Styled after artistic techniques prevalent in the time of the powerful Khmer Empire of South East Asia.

This traditional in appearance piece is sure to add a unique touch to your home, office or sacred space. One of the most recognisable of the Asian deities this representation of the Apsara is sure to enlighten your home with endlessly timeless style.