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Antique Indonesian Style Javanese Majapahit Standing Bronze Vishnu Statue - Protector & Preserver - 20cm/8"
Measurements Height 20cm/8"
An antique Java style standing bronze Vishnu sculpture in the 13th century Majapahit style.
Vishnu is both world protector and preserver, restorer of moral order - he is all-powerful and all-pervasive by nature. The Vishnu is stood samabhanga on a round lotus petal pedestal which is itself stood on a decorated pedestal.
The left hand holds a Kalasha. The kalasha is considered a symbol of abundance and "source of life" in the Vedas. It is referred to as "overflowing full vase" in the Vedas. The Kalasha is believed to contain amrita, the elixir of life, and thus is viewed as a symbol of abundance, wisdom, and immortality.
He wears a richly bejewelled dohti and upavita. His face has a downcast gaze. Upon his head he wears a decorative Javanese style tiara in front of his Kirita-Makuta or tall conical crown. This symbolises control over Positive and Negative attitudes.
On his forehead he has a third eye or urna. He has an aquiline nose and elongated earlobes with large ear rings. The sculpture has a wonderful dark patina.
Scholarly Reference:
New York Metropolitan Museum Collection - Accession Number: 1987.142.15
Christie's Auction House - Sale 2562 (December 2002) - INDIAN, HIMALAYAN AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART
Christie's Auction House - Sale 2612 (December 2003) - INDIAN, HIMALAYAN AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART
Bonhams - March 2018 - Fine Southeast Asian Arts
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The Golden Age of Majapahit Art represents a period of extraordinary creativity and cultural synthesis, producing works of lasting beauty and profound spiritual significance.
From the majestic temples of Trowulan to the intricate terracotta sculptures, Majapahit art offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of one of Southeast Asia’s greatest empires.