Antique Phnom Da Style Stone Hari Hari or Vishnu Head - Protector & Preserver - 31cm/12"

Measures - (Height) 31cm/12"

An antique Phnom Da style stone pre-Angkor image of Hari Hara, that extraordinary deity, half Vishnu and half Shiva, in whom two aspects of one divine phenomenon are conjoined. Vishnu (Hari), the cosmic force of creation and Shiva (Hara), the cosmic force of destruction, represent the two opposing but complimentary forces of life and death that endlessly interact to perpetuate the world.

Based on descriptions in ancient Hindu literature, the Harihara iconography was first formulated in India during the Gupta period. The deity was split vertically, half Vishnu and half Shiva.

Stylistically, this lovely pieces relates to the school of sculpture associated with the pre-Angkorian centre of Phnom Da, southern Cambodia.

The Vishnu half of the sculpture weighs a mitre on the head and the Shiva half displays a matted chignon formed by loops of hair.

Arched eyebrows, moustache, expressive lips, aquiline nose and open eyes define the face. His eyes are downcasts as he extends grace to devotees. 

In all, these characteristics place the sculpture in the late seventh- or early eighth century setting and suggest a cultural sharing with the workshops of the Phnom Da school.

The Vishnu is loose mounted on a wood base (later).

The perfect traditional in appearance Vishnu to bring serenity and timeless style to you home, office or sacred space.

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