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Male Figure

11th century

Cambodia

Sandstone

H. 50 x W. 19 x D. 11 3/4 in. (H. 127 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Gift of Arthur Ross, 1981.1

Provenance

Arthur M. Ross; acquired from Spink & Son Ltd., London, 1979.

The Asia Society, New York, NY, bequest of Arthur M. Ross, New York, NY, 1981.

Licensing inquiries

The tranquil expression, downcast eyes, and slight smile of this image imbue it with a meditative quality. The androgynous modeling of the body expresses one ideal of male beauty with its rounded limbs and soft muscles. Since the arms, which would have held identifying attributes are missing, the exact identity of this figure cannot be established. The detailing on this figure's jeweled armbands and the necklace in the back of the figure indicate that it was meant to be seen in the round. The lack of vertical pleating in the figure's garment and his youthful and serene face suggest that this piece was carved in the early period of the construction of the Baphuon temple at Angkor, which was begun around 1060.