VERY RARE KHMER GILT BRONZE IMAGE OF SADASIVA
Late 10th Century - Koh Ker period
Code: 0930 - POA

Ganesha is one of Hinduism’s most common images. This not only indicates the importance of this deity, but also shows how popular and pervasive he is in the minds of the people. This son of Shiva and Parvati has an elephant’s head with a trunk and large ears, and a huge potbellied body. He is known as the Lord of success and the destroyer of evils and obstacles and is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. Ganesha's head symbolizes the soul, the ultimate supreme reality, and his body signifies the earthly existence of humankind.

The god is seated in the virasana posture on a lotus throne. On his head is a conical crown richly ornamented with a broad diadem. The stele behind the deity is engraved with fine Sanskrit characters on both front, back and sides.

The cult of Ganesha was known in Cambodia from Pre-Angkor times. The Koh Ker period (circa 921-945) was one of the most extraordinary intervals in Khmer history from the perspective of both art and politics. In 921, Jayavarman IV revolted against the legitimate authority and divided the kingdom, setting up a rival capital, known as the royal city of Lingapura. Koh Ker was the most important temple complex, constructed on a grand scale approximately fifty miles northeast of Angkor, following the stylistic ideals of the early-tenth-century Bakeng style. The image is of a typical focused form and unadorned, but for the crown.

This stone sculpture is a classic example of Khmer art, an embodiment of the spiritual inspiration that emanated from Lingapura. There are finely engraved characters on both sides of the stele, which is of a beautiful ogee shape. They contrast with the striking presence of Ganesha and add another dimension to the piece. The fine stone surface with its natural weathered patina complements the aesthetic qualities of this rare Khmer sculpture. The Stele is mounted for display.

E. C. Bunker and D. Latchford, Adoration and Glory. The Golden Age of Khmer Art, Chicago, 2004, no. 53, Ganesha, Koh Ker, second quarter of the 10th century and H. Jessup and T. Zéphir, Sculpture of Angkor and ancient Cambodia, n.p., 1997, no. 61, Stele, height 106 cm, dated 1069, Baphuon, 11th century, National Museum of Cambodia.

Good condition.
Height including stand 34" (86cm).
Measurements not including stand: 28.5" x 17.5" (72 x 44cm)