REDUCED Important Malachite Bronze - UMA - Khmer Kingdom - c early 12th Century

Antiques : Bronze : Khmer Kingdom : 12th Century : Cambodia : Uma : Hindu : Goddess

 

This is an important exquisitely crafted Bronze Sculpture of the standing goddess Uma boasting a beautiful Malachite Patina. This sculpture displays classical Ankor Wat style, originates from the Khmer Kingdom and dates back to the early 12th century.

It shows the portrait of Uma, the wife of Lord Shiva, in a standing posture and holding her classical attribute, a lotus, in her left hand.

Uma shows a typical Khmer-style face with a broad nose and full lips. She is wearing a crown, precious jewellery and her skirt has an ornate closure on the backside.

Uma also referred to as Parvati, Lalitha, Gowri or Shivakamini is a Hindu goddess. She is the wife of Lord Shiva and the divine mother of Lord Ganesh and Lord Murugan. Some communities also believe her to be the divine sister of Lord Vishnu and many of the believers of Shakthi philosophy also consider her as the divine God above all the other gods. In many interpretations of the scriptures, Uma is also regarded as a representation of Shakti or Durga, albeit the gentle aspect of that goddess.

In 802 AD a Khmer (ethnic Cambodian) prince known as Jayavarman II consolidated several autonomous principalities in the Angkor region, founding the Khmer Empire and initiating the Angkor period. At the end of the 9th century, Yasovarman I moved the capital to Angkor and named it Yasodharapura, after himself. Angkor remained the centre of the Khmer Empire for most of the next 500 years. Early kings favored the worship of the Hindu gods such as Shiva and Vishnu, visualized today in the Temple Dances, whereas in the late 12th century the kings' religious preferences shifted to Mahayana Buddhism.

This fine sculpture comes in good condition, showing rich Malachite green patina. A truly fascinating example of 12th century Khmer bronze art!

MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUE: Casting & chase work.

CONDITION: Very good ORIGINAL as found condition with minor material loss to exposed areas such as the finger tips. NO RESTORATION! BEAUTIFUL PATINA!

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Kingdom Khmer - Cambodia.

DATE: Early 12th century.

MATERIAL: Bronze. Recent wooden stand.

SIZE: Total height is 11.6 inches. Height of the bronze alone is 9 inches.

Item ID: A3891