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Vishnu

Southern Cambodia

ca. late 5th–6th century

Not on view

This is the earliest known Vishnu figure from southern Cambodia. It is sculpted in the round but retains a backplate for the lower half, giving the appearance of high relief. The lower left hand holds a conch shell, Vishnu’s war trumpet, against the hip. This early feature links the icon to Indian prototypes identified first in Kushana-era northern India and later in Andhra Pradesh in the south, one likely source for Southeast Asian sculptors. This sculpture is a reminder that the greater Mekong region was a second epicenter of early Vishnu production, along with peninsular Thailand.

cat. no. 57

Vishnu, Sandstone, Southern Cambodia — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Vishnu, Sandstone, Southern Cambodia

Vishnu, Sandstone, Southern Cambodia

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Vishnu

Period: Pre-Angkor period

Date: ca. late 5th–6th century

Culture: Southern Cambodia

Medium: Sandstone

Dimensions: H. (incl. tenon) 37 3/8 in. (95 cm); W. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm); D. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm); Wt. 305 lbs (138.3 kg); Tenon: H. 7 1/16 in. (18 cm)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh (Ka.1599)

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