Vishnu Heads in Abundance:
A singular sandstone head of Vishnu, separated from its body either by accident or on purpose when the sculpture was looted from its sacred temple home, has made regular appearances in auctions or in collections in the last few years. The stand-out examples are those with a tall undecorated miter (or headdress cap, known as a kiritamukuta), and a beautifully-sculpted face, often with open eyes and a luxurious moustache. They represent the preserver god Vishnu and were common during the seventh, eighth and ninth centuries in the fledgling Khmer Empire. Either cylindrical or rectangular, the miter is also present on statues of Harihara. I’ve selected a series of examples from various auctions and elsewhere, including a silver head that has since gone missing, for your comparison. I cannot guarantee their authenticity though I’m sure you’ll join me in appreciating their beauty.Credit by :
Andy Brouwer
