Female Statue - Antique Khmer Style Female Head - 46cm/18"

Female Statue - Antique Khmer Style Female Head - 46cm/18"

Measures - (Height) 46cm/18"

An antique 7th century post Phnom Da style sculpture of a female head.  

This enigmatic head is hard to classify but demonstrates characteristics of 7th century sculptures found in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. 

The hair is gathered together into an unusual Chignon, decorated with simple Arithmetic spirals. A technique that became popular and more developed in Khmer culture from the 8th century, following the Phnom Da period. 

The face has arched eyebrows, eyes indicated by recessed almond shapes, a long aquiline nose and a mouth with turned up corners. 

The origin of this sculpture is hard to be certain of. Whilst the Head does appear to be broadly Khmer some of its features are distinctly similar to sculptures found in peninsular Thailand.  The heads recessed almond shaped eyes, for example, are similar in concept to those of a head from Si Tep, Thailand, in the Cleveland Museum. 

Consequently, it seems possible that the present head was influenced by styles prevalent in peninsular Thailand during the seventh century. A time when there would have been considerable contact between Thailand and the Khmer world in Cambodia.

Likewise, the present head has a long face stylistically related to styles associated with Pre-Angkor cultures in what is today southern Vietnam. 

During the centuries before the ascendancy of the Khmer, mainland Southeast Asia was home to many regional cultures, about which we still know very little, so a more precise attribution for this head, in terms of origin and style, is challenging with our current knowledge levels. 

This rare and unusual sculpture embodies both serenity and beauty with her demure, downcast gaze and long gentile face. The carving is beautiful as you can see in the fine details of the face. Each detail is rendered perfectly. The features suggest the inner beauty and serene temperament of the lady captured here, in stone, for eternity. 

The simple carving of the patterned chignon provide a delightful contrast with the serene presentation of the face. Unlike many contemporary Khmer sculptures, the inner rims of the ears are simply carved. The lobes hanging low.  

The sculpture is carved in the round telling us that figure was meant to be enjoyed from all angles. 

The distinctive patina and details of this piece are particularly appealing.

The statue has been mounted on wood plinth (later). 

To aid with safe shipping your sculpture will be wood crated before shipping. There is no additional cost for this packing, crating and shipping service. 

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