A SANDSTONE DOOR CASING PANEL OF A DEVATA, BAYON STYLE Khmer Empire, late 12th to 13th century. Carved as a standing devata, wearing a sampot, the right hand held to the chest, the faces with almond shaped eyes, the pendulous ears with round earrings, flanked by two pillars and a flaming arch. The right side with an ornamental band.

Provenance: Santi's Art & Antiques, Bangkok, Thailand, 1987. A noted English private collection, by repute acquired from the above and thence by descent in the same family. Santi's Antiques was established in 1958 by Santi Sivakua in Bangkok, Thailand. Santi Sivakua became one of Thailand's most reputable dealers and an acclaimed expert in Chinese porcelain and Southeast Asian artifacts, serving as a consultant for several reference publications. In 1990, Santi's son Suk took over the business.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age and as expected for a statue with an age of 800 years or more. Extensive wear, signs of centuries-old weathering and associated erosion, fills to backside, losses, few nicks, cracks and surface scratches. Displaying remarkably well overall.

Dimensions: Height 76 cm (excl. base) and 82.8 cm (incl. base)

Mounted to a modern wood base. (2)

Devata are smaller and more focused Devas (Deities) in Indian religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism. The term 'devata' itself can also mean deva and they can be either male or female. Every human activity has its devata, its spiritual counterpart or aspect.

Literature comparison:
Compare a related sandstone panel, dated to the 12^th century, in the collection of the British Museum, accession number 2002,0330.1.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's Amsterdam, 31 October 2006, lot 561
Price: EUR 11,400 or approx. EUR 15,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Khmer, Bayon style, sandstone panel, 13th century
Expert remark: Compare the figural element, the arch-shaped frame, and the ornamental decorations. Note the size (105 cm).