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Antique Khmer Style Bronze Standing Vishnu Statue - Protector - 130cm/52"
Measurements - Height 130cm/52"
A large antique 13th century Bayon style bronze standing Vishnu sculpture, from HD Asian Art. Vishnu is both world protector and preserver, restorer of moral order - he is all-powerful and all-pervasive by nature.
The Bayon period, particularly during the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1181-1218 CE), represents a fascinating epoch in Khmer history. This era is renowned for its syncretism, where Hindu and Buddhist elements coexisted and intermingled in religious and cultural practices.
Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, played a significant role during this period, reflecting the continuity and adaptation of religious traditions within the Khmer Empire.
The Bayon period exemplifies the blending of Hinduism and Buddhism. This syncretism was not merely a peaceful coexistence but a complex interweaving where Hindu deities like Vishnu were incorporated into Buddhist contexts and iconography.
In the Bayon period, Vishnu was often revered as a protective deity. His attributes, such as his role in preserving and maintaining cosmic order (dharma), resonated with Buddhist values of maintaining harmony and balance.
Here, Vishnu is stood in sambhanga on a simple square pedestal.
Vishnu is clad in a short sampot with fishtail pleat and jewelled sash, in the Bayon style. The face with wide features is surmounted by a cylindrical headdress. Here Vishnu, as the protector and preserver, is holding a chakra discus and conch shell. He also holds in his lower left hand his gada or mace symbolising his mental and physical strength.
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 an insipid smile are framed by a second incised line.
The head is surmounted by a large ushnisha, enhanced by a cylindrical-shaped 'Chignon' style topknot, in the Bayon style.
The importance of Vishnu in the Bayon period of Khmer Buddhism underscores the remarkable syncretism that characterized this era. Despite the predominance of Mahayana Buddhism under King Jayavarman VII, Vishnu retained a significant presence, reflecting the inclusive and adaptive nature of Khmer religious practices.
His role as a protective deity, symbol of kingship, and cultural icon highlights the deep interweaving of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, contributing to the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Cambodia.
Understanding this historical synthesis offers valuable insights into the resilience and continuity of religious practices, enriching our appreciation of Cambodia’s profound cultural legacy.
This traditional in appearance piece is sure to add a unique touch to any room of your home or workplace.
Along with shipping, with DHL, this beautiful Vishnu will also be wood crated to aid with safe shipping. There is no additional cost for wood crating, packing and shipping.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEE - We have been offering SE Asian Art for many years and are proud of the reputation we have developed for fair and honest listings. However, if for any reason, whatsoever, you are unhappy with your purchase please just let us know and we will provide a full refund. We want you to be 100% happy with your purchase.
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The majority of orders will be shipped with DHL. This is a secure, express and fully tracked service.
Items less than 2Kg we typically ship using Royal Mail.
Once we receive your order we try to ship all orders the same or next working day.
Large and/or fragile pieces requiring palletising, specialist crating and/or extra packaging may take a little longer. Palletised shipments will be delivered curbside.
All orders over 35 GBP will be shipped free of charge.
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We genuinely hope that all purchases delight.
However, if they do not, regardless of reason, we will refund all orders upon receipt of the unwanted item. Just notify us within 14 days of receiving your order that you wish to make a return and send the piece back to us with 30 days of delivery.
