Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Khmer/Angkor Empire, ca. 10th century. A truly remarkable hand-carved stone figure of Dvarapala, a door or gate guardian commonly portrayed as a warrior or ferocious giant. Kneeling on one leg with the other bent before him, the sturdy deity's stomach hangs gently over his pleated kilt as he rests his right hand on his knee, holding a petite weapon in his strong fist. His fierce face presents two bulging, annular eyes under swirling brows, a bulbous nose, and thick lips slightly parted to reveal sharp fangs. Several rows of tightly-coiled locks frame his vicious visage, topped with an arch of braids. A broad belt encircles his waist, supporting his kilt and featuring a square embellishment above his posterior. Size: 19" L x 17.25" W x 35.75" H (48.3 cm x 43.8 cm x 90.8 cm); 42.25" H (107.3 cm) on included custom stand.
A statue nearly identical to this piece (though missing an arm) can be found outside of Banteay Srei in Cambodia.
Provenance: acquired by the current collection on January 26, 2021; ex-Michael Barber Fine Art, acquired November 25, 1976; ex-Adrian Maynard, London, UK - Published
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#162597
Condition
Part of base missing on verso. Repairs to front of base. Expected nicks/chips, abrasions, and light softening of detail, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice earthen deposits throughout.