Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Post-Angkor period, ca. 17th century CE. A fabulous sandstone head of Brahma, the Hindu god associated with creation and knowledge, depicted with 4 faces representing the 4 Vedas, each pointed in a different cardinal direction. Crowned by a towering chignon incised with a lotus flower at the top, each visage presents generously-lidded eyes beneath a fine brow line, full lips gently turned up at the corners, and elongated ears adorned with heavy jewelry. Each displaying a subtle variation of expression, the faces appear quite content as they gaze outwards at the world they have created. After the decline of the Khmer empire, stone art production and monumental temple building became almost non-existent making this Post-Angkor head of Brahma a very rare example! Size: 7.8" W x 9.1" H (19.8 cm x 23.1 cm); 14.8" H (37.6 cm) on included custom stand.
Brahma is one of the three principle deities of the Hindu pantheon comprised of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Together these gods respectively represent the creative, preservative, and destructive energies. Brahma, who is regarded as the master of the universe, was the primeval male god who created the world and all forms of life.
Provenance: private Loveland, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Paris collection, 1996
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#177684
Condition
Fragment of a larger piece with expected chips, nicks, and abrasions to surface, but otherwise in very nice condition with good preservation of detail.