The Collection of Alfred E. Mirsky, sold to benefit the graduate student program of The Rockefeller University

A gray sandstone figure of Uma

KHMER, ANGKOR PERIOD, BAYON STYLE, 13TH CENTURY

Details

A gray sandstone figure of Uma
Khmer, Angkor Period, Bayon Style, 13th century
Wearing a plain sampot secured at the waist with a fishtail sash, the torso sensitively modeled with accentuated collarbone, the serene face with gentle smile, closed eyes beneath gently curved brows and pendent earlobes, the hair arranged in a multitiered conical topknot
13 in. (84 cm.) high

Provenance

Frank Caro, successor to C.T. Loo, New York, acquired before 1968.
Old inventory no. B.60.S.159.

Sale room notice

Please note that this lot is being sold for an organization which holds a State of New York Exempt Organization Certificate.

Lot Essay

The plain blade-like pendent sash at the front and the sensitively defined collarbone are very unusual; compare with a related figure in G. Coedes, L'Art Khmer, 1940, fig. 122, and p. 103f, where the author points out the evolution towards a culmination in Khmer art by the Bayon period, with a more restrained and symplified treatment of the robes in favor of an emphasis on the head and its spiritual expression, highlighted by the 'sourire du Bayon'. For the design of the sash compare also with a bronze figure of Uma illustrated in P. Pal, Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum, vol. 3, 2004, cat. no. 174, p. 221.

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