A sandstone standing figure, pre-Angkor period, 7th/8th century, Cambodia

This early Khmer stone figure depicts a sensuous young woman who wears a tall cylindrical miter, and is dressed in a long sampot that is tied in a loop at her waist. Its drapes are depicted by lines finely etched on the surface of the smooth polished stone. Her open eyes and full lips are finely delineated, the eyebrows arched, and the earlobes elongated - all distinguishing features of the period. The figure possesses a quiet beauty, and is sculpted in Prasat Andet style.

It is not possible to identify the female image as there are no hand-held attributes; her arms are missing, having been broken off beneath the shoulders.

Height: 25”

Provenance: Wolfgang, Konstanz

Similar examples: 'Entdeckungen' Skulpturen der Khmer und Thai, Museum fur Ostasiatische Kunst der Stadt Koln, 1989 - page 50.

'Adoration and Glory' The Golden Age of Khmer Art, by Emma C. Bunker and Douglas Latchford, published by Douglas Latchford in association with Art Media Resources, Inc. Chicago, Illinois, 2004 - page 70.

'Angkor et dix siecles d'art khmer' - exhibition catalogue: Galeries nationales du Grand Palais, Paris & National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1997 - pages 183 & 184.