Other Description

Located in the southeast of the Indochina peninsula between longitudes 103º and 108º and between the 10th and 15th parallels, Cambodia is bounded on the north and west by Laos and Thailand, and to the south and east by Vietnam. It has a surface area of 181,035 square kilometres with a population of about eleven and one-half million people (statistics: 1998 census). According to archaeological and historical research, as well as inscriptions and related documents, the civilization of ancient Cambodia dominated the region. It was influenced by Indian culture since the beginning of the Christian era; and the two main religions of India, Hinduism and Buddhism, were practiced side by side. In regard to these religious practices, the ancient Khmers left behind many master works in both architecture and sculpture. Many historical temples with magnificent decorations were considered as palaces for the gods. Although some temples were destroyed, many still retain their beauty for the public so see, especially Angkor Wat temple, which is admired throughout the world as an architectural masterpiece.

RECLINING VISNU Other

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Material: Bronze

Dimensions: H: 122 cm W: 222 cm D: 72.5 cm

Date: Second half of the XIth century

Provenance: West Mebon, Angkor (Siem Reap)

Collection: National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh

E:1230 E/1: 30.18 Ga.5387

Khmer bronze production began from the Neolithic period (5,000BCE) and reached its apogee during the Angkor period (Baphuon style). The technique used continuously until the present-day is the ‘cire-perdue’ or ‘lost-wax ’ process. Some statues were inlaid in the eye cavities with precious stones to make them more life-like. The art of inlay was undeniably widespread throughout Southeast Asia in the 11th century.

This reclining Visnu is testimony to the talent of Khmer artists in the production of monumental bronze statues. Fragments of this statue were found in 1936 during excavations of a platform at the Western Mebon temple and were brought to the National Museum on the 1 December 1950.

The deity is in the attitude of reclining on the ocean, represented by the vast reservoir (baray) at Angkor (8km east to west and 2km north to south), constructed by King Udayadityavarman II (1050-1066). Helen I. Jessup wrote, “The god reclined on the serpent Ananta (without end), who was floating on the ocean during one of the cosmic intervals or kalpa … According to Vedic myth, Visnu, Ananta and ocean are all aspects of the same reality, parts of the primordial waters where gods give rise to the universe”.

Visnu is the preserver of the world. This colossal statute was created by the king to safeguard the city of Angkor. The figure is represented with four arms: the left are broken, while one of the right arms supports the head.

The stern facial expression and the head resting on the hand highlight his contemplation of the city. This adorned Visnu is decorated with accessories that include armbands, bracelets and a pectoral collar, which was considered a traditional motif in Khmer decorative art. This collar motif is round and has a large rosette in the centre. It is decorated with pendants at the back. The hollows of the eyes and above the lips prove the ancient Khmer artists used precious stones and metals for inlay.

 

Despite its fragmented appearance, this statue reveals the power of the king in ancient Cambodia and the excellence of metal casting techniques.

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