A khmer Bayon style Lokeshvara torso. Late twelfth, early thirteenth century Bayon style demonstrated by the downcast eyes and discreet smile on the lips, as found with the statues of Banteay Srei and Baphuon. The hair is plaited and lifted up onto the top of the head to form a high cylindrical chignon. Typical of the Bayon period the legs are heavy, with clearly delineated kneecaps that are not in complete proportion. The body provides a sense of anatomical observation, rather than objectification, reminiscent of the naturalism of some previous styles.Lokeshvara's name means 'Lord of the World'. He was an important cult figure during the reign of Jayavarman VII, who identified the Bodhisattva with the posthumous form of his late father. He was the central focus of the temple of Preah Khan, built in 1191 to commemorate Jayavarman's father. The compassion emboded by Lokeshvara possibly symbolized healing after the loss and violence of the Cham invasion of 1177. The sculpture demonstrates the ecumenical nature of iconography in the Bayon period, being associated with both the supreme form of Vishnu and Shiva. The sculpture is loose mounted on a metal and wood base (later). Provenance: Ex- private US Collection.Please contact us for high resolution images of the piece. Provenance: :Private US Collection Medium: Stone Dimensions: 49cm / 20in SCST174