Large Vintage Khmer-Style Standing Female Deity Sculpture, Patinated Metal

Details

Description

Striking large vintage sculpture of a standing female deity inspired by classical Khmer art, presented in the manner of an … Read more Striking large vintage sculpture of a standing female deity inspired by classical Khmer art, presented in the manner of an archaeological fragment.

Cast in substantial metal with a deep dark brown-black patina, the figure displays the characteristic elegance associated with the great sculptural traditions of ancient Cambodia.

The serene face is modeled with almond-shaped downcast eyes, elongated earlobes and a subtle smile, beneath an elaborate high ceremonial headdress richly decorated with stylized motifs.

The bare upper body is balanced by an intricately modeled pleated sampot, secured at the waist by an ornamental belt and prominent knotted textile folds. The long vertical treatment of the garment gives the figure an especially graceful and architectural silhouette.

Both arms and the feet are absent, and the figure is mounted by two supports onto a simple rectangular dark base. This fragmented presentation strongly evokes ancient Khmer archaeological sculpture. It cannot be determined whether the missing limbs represent earlier losses or were intentionally omitted when this decorative sculpture was produced.

The work should therefore be understood as a 20th-century decorative sculpture in the Khmer style, rather than as an archaeological Khmer antiquity.

good condition.

No maker’s mark has been identified.

A highly sculptural decorative object with impressive presence, particularly suitable for an eclectic, contemporary, Asian-inspired or collector’s interior.

Khmer style
Probably second half of the 20th century
Patinated cast metal
Mounted on a rectangular base

Dimensions:
Height: 18.3 in. (46.5 cm)
Base: 5.7 × 3.5 in. (14.5 × 9 cm) See less