Bronze sculpture of a female Apsara dancer, Vietnamese-Indochinese Bien Hoa school, 20th century

A bronze sculpture with a brown patina depicting the bust of an Apsara*, or Cambodian dancer, wearing an embroidered garment with shoulder pads and a tiered headdress with a typical spike. Presented on a wooden base, it originates from Indochina/Vietnam and is very likely a work from the Bien Hoa** School of Applied Arts, dating from the early 20th century.

This bust is in good condition and of high quality. Its size makes it very decorative.

Note: there are some light soils and scratches, and the colored parts of the garment (most likely enamels) are sometimes worn, consistent with age. See photos.

*An Apsara is a female spirit of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, a "celestial nymph" or "celestial maiden." Apsaras are beautiful, supernatural female beings. They are young, elegant, and superb in the art of dance. They are often the wives of the Gandharvas, the musicians of Indra's court. They dance to music composed by the Gandharvas, usually in the palaces of the gods, entertaining and sometimes seducing both gods and men. As guardians of fallen heroes, they can be compared to the Valkyries of Norse mythology. As ethereal beings who dwell in the sky and are often depicted in flight, or in the service of a god, they can be compared to angels. Apsaras are said to be able to change their form at will and to rule over fortune and games. They are also associated with fertility rites.

* In 1903, at the initiative of Georges Maspéro, the Biên-Hòa School of Applied Arts was founded with the aim of training art founders, potters, and ceramicists, drawing upon an ancient local folk tradition. The training at the Biên-Hòa School combines aesthetics derived from Vietnamese history with Chinese, Khmer, and French elements (Art Nouveau and then Art Deco), giving the work of Biên-Hòa a unique syncretic character.

Dimensions

Total height 44.5 cm / Bust 40 cm
Shoulder width 25.5 cm
Base 16 cm x 14 cm
G20 73
All photos are available at:
www.antiques-delaval.com

Ref: QCPPVCBK3I