A SANDSTONE HEAD OF SHIVA, ANGKOR WAT STYLE Khmer Empire, 12th century. His face finely carved with full pursed lips, framed by a mustache, almond-shaped eyes and ridged eyebrows, his forehead centered with his third eye, flanked by elongated earlobes, a tiara carved with a central floral band, knotted at the back, and set in front of his headdress, combed into a high cylindrical-shaped chignon.

Provenance: The collection of Jean-Marc Andral, acquired in 1996 from Galerie Rambagh, Brussels (invoice lost). Jean-Marc Andral is a Belgian manager based in Brussels and active in the healthcare industry for over 25 years.
Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, signs of weathering and erosion, minor losses, encrustations, nicks, scratches, few structural cracks, small chips.
Scientific Analysis Report: An Expert Report from Antiques Analytics - Institute of Scientific Authenticity Testing, test report number AA 22-01042, 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.

Weight: 7.9 kg
Dimensions: Height 28 cm (excl. stand), 39.2 cm (incl. stand)

Mounted to a modern metal stand. (2)

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's Amsterdam, 8 May 2002, lot 609
Price: EUR 14,340 or approx. EUR 21,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Khmer, Angkor vat style, sandstone head of shiva, 12th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related facial features, headdress, and color of the stone. Note the slightly smaller size (24 cm).