Cambodia, Kingdom of Chanla, Pre-Angkor period, 7th-8th century, Stone head of Vishnu

Stone Head of Vishnu on a Pedestal

Cambodia, Pre-Angkorian Period
Ancient Kingdom of Chanla
Kampong Thom Province, Prasat Andet Site
7th-8th Century

The face of the deity, with its hieratic expression, is inscribed within a perfect oval, the eyebrows delineated by a double circumflex-shaped incision above two large, open, almond-shaped eyes. A broad, flat nose, prominent cheekbones, and a mouth with thick lips sketching a slight smile prefigure a very sensitive and gentle realistic modeling that would be found in later Khmer art. The ears have distended lobes, the top of the skull is crowned with a tall tiara delineated by a fine border, the upper left side showing the remains of a supporting arch, connecting the arms to the head, on which the god's attributes were placed.

Prasat Andet is a major pre-Angkorian site dedicated to the cult of Vishnu. It is one of the sites already showing a transition between the Gupta style of India and the more distinct Khmer characteristics that would mark the Angkor period.
The associated cult of Vishnu was essential in legitimizing royal power, the deity being venerated as the tutelary god of kings, in line with the ideology of the devaraja, or god-king, and associated with cosmic order and the protection of the kingdom.

Gray stone
Visible wear and losses
14.7 x 7.3 cm, including stand
European private collection

For a head of Vishnu from the same period, see the following link to the Art Curial sale on June 11, 2025:
https://www.artcurial.com/ventes/6213/lots/233-a

Contact us: culturesetcivilisations@orange.fr

Ref: 29MUVCQF7N