Head of Vishnu Sandstone Khmer, early Pre Rup style

Acquired 1969

Very good overall condition. Pinnacle of the crown is missing. Losses to both earlobes and to the crown band on both sides. Losses to a couple of the crown jewels on the back. The break at the neck is higher on the back than at the front. Very minor pitting and some accretions on the surface.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This glorious sandstone male head represents Vishnu, the divine Hindu preserver and protector of human life, a role that provided natural analogies with earthly kingship for the Khmer. The head is carved in a classic Pre Rup style combined with an elaboration of a chignon-cover enriched by floral forms of a type that developed earlier in the tenth century during the late Bakheng period. The chignon-cover is shown in typical Bakheng style with one corner aligned with the nose.

The head is adorned with a royal diadem carved to imitate a real gold example that was attached at the back by ribbons tied in a square knot. The inner ears are each described by three running crisp scalloped inner rims that act as parenthesis enclosing the head. A moustache with tips that curl up, a mouth with full rimmed lips and wide-open eyes under a continuous eyebrow ridge distinguish the head giving it an extremely realistic and tactile appearance.

The facial features are similar to those represented on numerous Khmer sculptures carved early in the Pre Rup period, 944-968, especially to those of the standing Vishnu in the Los Angeles Country Museum of Art. (E. Bunker and D. Latchford Adoration and Glory: The Golden Age of Khmer Art, Chicago, Art Media Resources, 2004, 178-179, no. 35)

The full Vishnu image would have been shown standing with four arms with the hands holding identifying attributes similar to the way a late tenth century Vishnu image in a European private collection that still retains all its appendages is represented. (ibid 202-203, no. 66). Emma C. Bunker