Monumental head; Cambodia, Angkor Wat, Khmer culture, 12th century.

Monumental head; Cambodia, Angkor Wat, Khmer culture, 12th century.
Sandstone.
Shows erosion and restorations.
Provenance: Galerie de Ruimte, Netherlands. Dr. J. Macken, Antwerp, Belgium.
Measurements: 45 cm (height).
Bust of divinity wearing a diadem and earrings. The expression is serene, with narrowed eyes and full lips, slightly smiling.
The Khmer or Khmer is one of the most important cultures developed in Indochina. At the beginning of the 7th century, the first inscriptions in their language appear in the Indian kingdom of Tshenla, located in the middle course of the Mekong River. The Khmer reorganized politically, and in the 9th century achieved the unity of present-day Cambodia under the reign of Jayavarman II (802-850), founder of the kingdom of Angkor. This monarch had spent his youth in the refined court of the sailendra of Java, so he brought to his country an important influence of the Javanese culture, as well as the courtly protocol of that dynasty. Khmer art reached its moment of splendor during the period of Angkor, developed between the IX and XIII centuries, and reached very different fields, such as textiles, lacquer, ceramics, goldsmithery, etc. As for Khmer sculpture, from the 7th century it began to separate from the Indian influence and, after a long process of stylistic evolution, it developed its own original language, consolidated in the 10th century. It will be mainly carved in stone and with religious themes, although on numerous occasions the sacred theme becomes a mere excuse to represent courtly scenes, even if they feature gods. Hence the greater degree of realism with respect to Indian art, since the artists took royal courtiers as models. The result is admirable images of gods of imposing presence, endowed with a certain feminine sensuality and sophisticated beauty.