CAMBODGE, KHMER, EPOQUE BAPHUON, XIEME SIECLE

Details

RARE TETE D'UNE DIVINITE MASCULINE EN GRES POLI
CAMBODGE, KHMER, EPOQUE BAPHUON, XIEME SIECLE
The head is sculpted with a serene facial expression with almond shaped eyes below rigid eyebrows. His mouth is framed by a moustache and beard. His elongated earlobes are originally pierced to receive gold ornaments during processions. His finely carved hair rises into a chignon and secured with a band sculpted with lotus petals.
7 ¾ in. (19,5 cm.) high, stand

Provenance

With Gallery Zen, Brussels, 20 April 1995, acquired by a Belgian private collector.
With Gallery Zen, Brussels, 11 October 2001, acquired for a Belgian private collection and thence by descent.

Further details

A FINE POLISHED SANDSTONE HEAD OF A MALE DEITY
CAMBODIA, KHMER, BAPHUON PERIOD, 11TH CENTURY

Brought to you by

Fiona Braslau

fbraslau@christies.com 01 40 76 84 22

Lot Essay

This superbly detailed sculptural male head epitomizes the finest possible artworks created during the Baphuon period. His enigmatic facial expression shows a faint smile playing around his lips. The incised lines around his mouth forming a moustache and beard is known from Shiva examples. However, as the third eye is not visible on his forehead, the correct identification remains uncertain. His hair is extremely finely carved with slender tresses combed backwards, rising into a chignon and decorated with miniature flower heads at the base.

Technical examination report available on request.

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