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Antique Khmer Style Bayon Prajnaparamita Statue / Goddess - 45cm/18"
Measures (Height) 45cm/18"
An antique Khmer style Prajnaparamita, devi or Goddess statue in the late 12th to early 13th century Bayon style.
Prajnaparamita was greatly revered by the Khmer during the tenth century and was the only Buddhist Goddess praised in contemporary Khmer inscriptions. Perfect for those seeking both beauty and wisdom.
Prajnaparamita is kneeling here in adoration pose.
This pious kneeling female figure is thought to portray the physical appearance of Queen Jayarajadevi, the first and well-loved wife of Jayavarman VII (r. 1181-c. 12183), in the guise of Prajnaparamita. Numerous versions of this image have been found in temple ruins throughout Cambodia, and several more examples without provenance grace public and private collections throughout the world.' None are identical, but display minor differences, as one might expect with images that appear to have been produced in quantity to satisfy a contemporary demand.
The present sculpture shows an intensely spiritual woman with a frail body who is believed to have undergone severe austerities when she prayed for the safe and successful return of her husband, Jayavarman VII, from war with the neighbouring Cham.A tiny Amitabha Buddha image marking the front of the chignon-cover has raised the suggestion that these kneeling female images could be identified as either Prajnaparamita, the spiritual mother of all Buddhas, or Tara, the companion of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
Based on the plurality of kneeling female images, it seems reasonable to accept this image as Jayarajadevi in the guise of Prajnaparamita, the kneeling pose being an innovation created to meet the individual criteria of the subject.
The figure is clothed in a sampot, one end of which forms a wide folded panel, made from a cloth decorated with an overall design of geometric forms. The cloth sash has matching geometric designs. The facial features are delicate and display a spiritual expression. The inner rims of the ears are beautifully scalloped. In keeping with her ascetic, pious nature, her ears are not pierced to hold lavish jewellery.The dark malachite patina and details of this piece are particularly appealing. This traditional in appearance piece is sure to add a unique touch to any room of your home or workplace.
One of the most recognizable of the Asian deities this representation of the consort of Vishnu is sure to enlighten your home with endlessly timeless style.
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