Southeast Asian art Large sandstone statue of... Lot 150

Southeast Asian art Large sandstone statue of Lokhesvara.Khmer art, Bayon style. Cambodia, 13th century. . . Cm 76x48. The mighty sculpture in creamy-pink stoneware (a particularly hard type of sandstone) depicts a rare Lokeshvara with ten arms in a standing position. His face is serene with almond-shaped eyes. The half-closed eyes looking down, the full lips attuned to a vague sweet and distant smile , the chin and slightly squared jaws convey the inner energy combined with the serenity that only the face of an enlightened one can express.The whole figure is framed by the extraordinary halo formed by the eight hind arms rising from the rock as if by magic. The two front arms reach out symmetrically holding two lotus buds; it is a strong and balanced work. The fact, then, that the figure has not been completed and that the forms of the body appear bound to the stone enhances the intensity and mystery with which this figure is imbued.Provenance: Italian private collection. Presenting expertise Dr. Giorgio Cecchini. Purchased from Dr. Giorgio Cecchini, Verona, July 15, 1999. Lot not exportable from Italy.