A refined handheld bronze figure depicting the goddess Uma, divine consort of Shiva, cast in the sophisticated style of the Angkor-period Khmer Empire. The deity stands in elegant samabhanga upon a rectangular plinth, her serene countenance framed by an ornate tiered diadem (mukuta) with elongated earlobes. Her downcast eyes and subtle smile embody the classic Khmer ideal of spiritual tranquility and inner grace.
The goddess wears a finely incised sampot secured at the waist with a decorative belt, the drapery falling in stylized folds and a central pleat between her legs. Her torso is adorned with a jeweled collar, armlets, and bracelets, while her bare feet rest firmly on the base. The surface exhibits a rich, mottled green patina with scattered azure oxidation—testament to centuries of burial or ritual use in the tropical climate of ancient Cambodia.
Dimensions: 4.75 inches (12 cm) in height
Condition: Good overall antique condition. The figure displays expected surface wear, verdigris, and minor losses to the hand attributes, consistent with its age and archaeological history. The bronze is solid and stable, with no modern restorations apparent.
Provenance: Old Belgian collection, acquired prior to the 1990s.
Significance: This piece typifies the masterful metalworking tradition of the Khmer court, where bronze deities were created for both temple dedication and private devotion. The balanced proportions and restrained ornament suggest a date spanning the Angkor Wat to Bayon periods (11th–13th century), a golden age of Khmer religious art. A rare opportunity to acquire an authentic devotional image with distinguished European provenance from one of Southeast Asia’s greatest civilizations.
Ideal for collectors of Southeast Asian antiquities, Hindu and Buddhist art, or Khmer Empire material culture.