Vishnu Statue - Antique Baphuon Style Stone Seated Khmer Vishnu Lakshmi Stele - 80cm / 32" Measures (Height) 80cm/32" An unusual antique Khmer style stone Stele depicted a metamorphic representation of Vishnu and Lakshmi - shown as one - in the pre-Angkorian Baphuon style. Vishnu is both world protector and preserver, restorer of moral order - he is all-powerful and all-pervasive by nature. The husband of Lakshmi. Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage. The embodiment of beauty, grace and charm. Also called Mahalakshmi, she is said to bring good luck, and is believed to protect her devotees from all kinds of misery and money-related sorrows. She is the wife or consort of Vishnu. This impressive stone sculpture features the deity seated panhandle. Clothed in a pleated sampot can kpin, in the Baphuon style, naturalistically represented to accommodate the kneeling pose. The artist's ingenuity is particularly noticeable in the way the left foot is shown sideways at the front. His braided hair is dressed in a quatrefoil-shaped jatamukuta held in place by a jeweled band. In the Baphuon style the moustache (for the Vishnu half of the face) is also kept, but in a more discreet way. The fullness of the forms give the face a softness which accentuates the eyes opened wide, and the fleshy and sensual lips. The anatomy shows a strong sense of observation. The overall silhouette is elegant and a reminder of the Pre Angkorian Art. The ornate carving of the diadem provide a delightful contrast with the smooth, polished stone, facial features. The inner rims of the ears appear to display the characteristic tripart scalloped treatment. The face is defined by slightly arched eyebrows, full rimmed lips, beard, wide open rimmed eyes and a rather broad, flat nose. Generally, the statues are small in size, but in scale with the temple, a feeling of elegance and softness is given off by the whole. The image radiates an aloofness, the quiet power of Vishnu and Lakshmi. The sensuality typical of the Banteay Srei period. The Deity has perfect balance and proportions which are the key to a fine sculpture of this period. The patina and details of this piece are particularly appealing. Around the Deity and on the reverse of the Stele can be seen worn Sanskrit text. The Stele is loose mounted to a wood base (later). Provenance: Ex- private US collection. To aid with safe transportation this piece will be wood crated before shipping. SATISFACTION GUARANTEE - We have been offering SE Asian Art for many years and are proud of the reputation we have developed for fair and honest listings. However, if for any reason, whatsoever, you are unhappy with your purchase please just let us know and we will provide a full refund. We want you to be 100% happy with your purchase.