This wonderful female deity, probably the Hindu goddess Durga, not only broadens exponentially the range of the Museum's Cambodian collection but adds a new dimension to our Southeast Asian holdings. It is the largest and most important Pre-Angkor-period (6th–early 9th century) sculpture of a female deity to appear on the market in more than thirty years.

The four-armed deity wears a cylindrical miter and a long sarong. This garment is secured at the waist, and the cloth hanging down in front doubles over and is tucked in at the waist, forming a looped drapery motif.

The conception of the female form—slim-waisted and full-bodied, with ample breasts and thighs suggestive of fecundity and potential motherhood—follows early Indian precedents. Here the large, full, taut breasts and the youthful face indicate a female just reaching maturity. The posture is subtle, with a projecting right knee and a slight sway breaking the symmetry of the stance. The goddess's expression radiates an aura of sublime majesty—commanding yet enigmatic.

This sculpture retains much of its original high polish, and the contrasts between smooth, bare skin, the incised compression of flesh beneath the breasts, and the decorative drapery motifs add visual interest to the surface. The modeling is superb, and there is a brilliant balance and harmony of volumes and proportions. Part of the original supporting arch can be seen at the back, at the top of the miter.