Khmer Empire, 10^th-12^th century. The Preserver of the Universe standing in samapada on a rectangular base, holding the conch in his one remaining hand, wearing a short pleated sampot, tied at the front below the navel with the folds splayed across the left thigh and secured with a butterfly sash at the back, the extra material folding over at the waist. The serene face sensitively modeled with neatly incised details, such as the almond-shaped eyes, full lips, and wavy mustache. The hair piled up into an elaborate conical chignon secured by a foliate tiara.

Provenance: The collection of Beowulf Klebert. An Austrian private collection, acquired from the above circa 1980 and thence by descent in the same family. Beowulf K. Klebert (1948-2008) was a noted Austrian collector of Asian sculpture and works of art as well a respected contributor to Arts of Asia magazine. He was known for his scholarly expertise and extensive travels through all of Asia.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, signs of weathering and erosion, losses, nicks, scratches, structural cracks, expected old repairs. The stone with a fine, naturally grown, smooth patina overall.
Scientific Analysis Report: An Expert Report from Antiques Analytics – Institute of Scientific Authenticity Testing, test report number AA 21-03064, dated 5 May 2022, written and signed by Dr. R. Neunteufel, analyzing the surface alterations after examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and element analysis with attached energy-dispersed X-ray micro element analyzer (EDX), concludes that the observed surface alterations are not in contradiction with the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies this lot.

Dimensions: Height 207 cm (incl. base)

With an associated wood base. (2)

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related sandstone figure of Vishnu, dated to the 12^th century, in the Tokyo National Museum, collection reference no. TC-382. Compare a related sandstone figure of Vishnu, dated c. 1050, 105.4 cm high, in the Norton Simon Museum, accession number M.2004.1.S. Compare a related sandstone figure of Vishnu, dated to the 11^th century, 104.1 cm high, formerly in the collection of John D. Rockefeller and now in the Asia Society Museum, New York, object number 1979.064.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s Paris, 11 December 2013, lot 342
Price: EUR 121,500 or approx. EUR 144,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A rare and important sandstone figure of Vishnu, Cambodia, Khmer, Pre-Rup style, mid-10^th century
Expert remark: Compare the related modeling and manner of carving. Note the much smaller size (121 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s Paris, 7 June 2011, lot 385
Price: EUR 145,000 or approx. EUR 178,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An important sandstone torso of a male deity, Cambodia, Khmer, Baphuon style, 11^th century
Expert remark: Compare the related modeling and manner of carving. Note the much smaller size (130 cm).