Sotheby Indian & Southeast Asian Works of Art sale on March 24 in New York will be led by a spectacular 10th century Khmer Koh Ker period Athlete from a European private collection (est. $2/3 million). Acquired by the original owner over 40 years ago, the figure is similar to the Koh Ker athlete at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, almost identical in posture and physical appearance. The Khmer Athlete was commissioned by emperor Jayavarman IV (r. 914 – 928) for his new capital at Koh Ker 80 miles north of Angkor. Koh Ker sculptures are among the great masterpieces of Khmer art. The impressive size and quality of the figure reflects the prestige and importance of the ruler who commissioned it as well of the skill of his craftsmen. The Athlete’s pose derives from Cambodian dance postures which often depicted Hindu epics and mythology. These dances have been a constant feature in the country’s long history. The imposing stance of this figure indicates that it was more significant than a mere temple guardian. Indeed, the Athlete would have been a major mythological figure, instantly recognizable to the Khmer elite of he day and this depiction stands as one of the great achievements of Khmer art.
The sale also includes early South and Southeast Asian stone and bronze sculpture, Tibetan and Himalayan bronzes, and Indian miniature paintings, led by An Illustration to the Gita Govinda: Krishna Adorns his beloved Radha (est. $150/250,000). The painting depicts a scene from the Gita Govinda (Song of the Dark Lord) composed by the 12th century poet Jayadeva. The verse is homage to the incarnation of the Supreme Being Vishnu as Krishna, the Divine Lover. Here Krishna is seen tenderly tying a jeweled girdle around the waist of his beloved Radha after their tryst on the banks of the Yamuna.
Overall the 112 lot auction is estimated to fetch $8.2/12.2 million.
