Bodhisattva - Antique Baphuon Style Mounted Stone Hevajra Statue - 55cm/22"

Bodhisattva - Antique Baphuon Style Mounted Bronze Hevajra Statue - 55cm/22"

Measures (Height) 55cm/22"

A compelling Khmer sandstone sculpture of five-faced Hevajra in the Baphuon style, combining serene facial modelling with a richly layered multi-headed composition.

Loose mounted on a black wood base, the piece has substantial visual presence and makes an evocative addition to a collection of Buddhist, Khmer or Southeast Asian art.

Khmer Baphuon-Style Hevajra

This finely carved sandstone sculpture represents Hevajra, an important tantric Buddhist deity, interpreted through the refined aesthetic of the Khmer Baphuon style. The image is composed around five faces: a calm central visage, two projecting profile faces at either side, and two further faces rising above within the crown-like upper register.

The principal face is distinguished by gently lowered eyes, carefully arched brows, softly shaped lips and a composed, almost meditative expression. This serenity is balanced by the complexity of the surrounding faces, producing an image that is both contemplative and powerful.

The arrangement creates a sculpture of remarkable depth, with changing profiles and richly ornamented surfaces revealed from every angle.

A tall cylindrical headdress rises above the upper heads, its surface patterned with repeated incised bands. Beneath it, the broad diadem is carved with foliate and geometric ornament, while further decorative detail appears across the earrings, neck rings and chest.

The dark brown-grey sandstone lends the work an earthy, architectural quality, bringing a strong material presence to the fine Khmer-inspired decorative carving.

The Baphuon style is associated with 11th-century Angkor and is admired for its restrained spiritual gravity, balanced proportions and serene, inward-looking facial expression. Scholarly and museum-market descriptions of Baphuon sculpture note its austere elegance, carefully delineated features and unusual sense of quiet contemplation. This work reflects that tradition in the stillness of its central expression and its controlled, harmonious composition.

Presented on a contemporary black wood base, the sculpture is loose mounted rather than permanently attached. The clean-lined base provides stable support and a subtle modern contrast that allows the sandstone carving to remain the focus.

Key Features

• Khmer sandstone sculpture in the Baphuon style

• Depiction of the tantric Buddhist deity Hevajra

• Dramatic five-face composition, arranged over two tiers

• Serene central face with softly modelled Khmer features

• Tall cylindrical crown with carefully incised vertical decorative bands

• Broad ornate diadem with foliate and geometric detailing

• Elaborate earrings, neck rings and carved chest ornament

• Dark brown-grey sandstone with naturally varied texture and tonal character

• Strong sculptural depth, with details visible from the front and sides

• Loose mounted on a contemporary black wood display base

• A distinguished focal point for Buddhist art, Khmer art and Asian art collections

• Well suited to a meditation room, library, gallery interior, hallway or curated living space

Hevajra Symbolism

Hevajra is a major deity in Vajrayana, or Esoteric Buddhism, and is associated with transformation, enlightened awareness and advanced tantric practice. Classical iconography for Hevajra is exceptionally elaborate: he may be depicted with numerous heads, arms, legs and ritual attributes. A well-known Khmer example from around 1200 is described with eight heads, sixteen arms and four legs, illustrating the deity’s expansive and complex sacred identity.

The five faces of this sculpture evoke that broader iconographic tradition. The principal front-facing head provides an accessible focal point of calmness and concentration, while the side and upper heads extend the image beyond a single viewpoint. Together, they suggest a deity whose awareness reaches in all directions.

Although Hevajra is more commonly associated with later Khmer tantric Buddhist contexts, this sculpture is presented specifically in the Baphuon style for its formal qualities: balanced modelling, restraint, spiritual composure and meticulous sandstone ornament. The designation describes the aesthetic and artistic tradition of the piece rather than asserting an archaeological origin or period attribution.

Baphuon Style

The Baphuon style belongs to the Angkorian era of Khmer art and is generally associated with the 11th century. It takes its name from the Baphuon temple complex at Angkor. The style is celebrated for calm, sensitively modelled faces; controlled proportions; refined surface treatment; and a sense of inward spiritual stillness.

In this sculpture, the Baphuon influence is most apparent in:

• The composed expression of the central face

• The gentle modelling of the eyes, brows, nose and mouth

• The restrained balance between ornament and facial serenity

• The careful, rhythmic treatment of the crown and diadem

• The enduring architectural solidity of the sandstone carving

FAQs

What does “Baphuon style” mean?

Baphuon style refers to an important phase of Khmer art associated with 11th-century Angkor and the Baphuon temple. It is known for serene facial expressions, balanced compositions, refined stone carving and a sense of spiritual restraint.

Is this sculpture from the Baphuon period?

The sculpture is described as being in the Baphuon style, referring to its artistic and visual language. This does not by itself establish that it was made during the historical Baphuon period or excavated from the Baphuon temple site. A precise period or archaeological attribution requires documented provenance and specialist assessment.

Who is Hevajra?

Hevajra is a significant tantric Buddhist deity within Vajrayana Buddhism. He is associated with enlightened transformation and advanced ritual practice. His traditional images are often complex, with multiple faces and numerous arms that express his expansive sacred identity.

Why does the sculpture have five faces?

The five faces create a multi-directional divine presence. In tantric Buddhist art, multiple heads can represent enlarged awareness, spiritual power and the deity’s ability to perceive beyond the limitations of ordinary human vision. Hevajra is traditionally depicted in even more complex forms, including representations with eight heads.

Is this sculpture an image of the Buddha?

Hevajra is a Buddhist tantric deity rather than the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. He is an enlightened sacred figure central to Vajrayana visual and ritual traditions.

What material is it made from?

The sculpture is carved from sandstone. Sandstone was widely used in Khmer temple architecture and sacred statuary because it allows both large, monumental forms and intricate decorative surface detail to be carved.

What does “loose mounted” mean?

Loose mounted means the sculpture rests on or is supported by the wood display base but is not permanently fixed to it. Please take care when moving the sculpture: support both the stone image and the base securely and move them separately where possible.

Is the wood base included?

Yes. The contemporary black wood base shown with the sculpture is included as part of the display presentation.

How should I care for sandstone sculpture?

Keep the sculpture indoors in a dry, stable environment. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, near radiators, fireplaces, air-conditioning outlets or damp areas. Dust gently with a soft, dry brush or clean microfibre cloth. Do not use water, polish, wax, oil, solvents or household cleaning products.

Can I display the sculpture outdoors?

Indoor display is recommended. Sandstone can be affected by water, frost, moisture, airborne pollution and fluctuating temperatures, all of which may weaken or alter the surface over time.

Are variations in colour and texture normal?

Yes. Sandstone naturally varies in grain, tone and texture. Subtle surface changes, small irregularities and differences in colour are part of the inherent character of stone and contribute to the individuality of each sculpture.

Where should I display this sculpture?

The piece is most effective on a sturdy console, cabinet, plinth, pedestal or altar-style table where the faces can be appreciated close to eye level. Soft, directional side lighting will draw attention to the incised crown, diadem and jewellery, while allowing the profiles of the side faces to create a dramatic silhouette.

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