23 - A FIGURE OF SEATED GANESHA, AZULIT AND MALACHIT, 12TH CENTURY, ANGKOR WAT PERIOD, KHMER EMPIRE

A FIGURE OF SEATED GANESHA, AZULIT AND MALACHIT, 12TH CENTURY, ANGKOR WAT PERIOD, KHMER EMPIRE Dimensions: Height 15 cm Wide 12 cm Depth 8 cm without base Weight: 2.024 grams with base The sculpture depicts Ganesha seated in padmasanaon a rectangular base, his elephant head crowned with a tall diadem and his robust body adorned with simple ornaments. He is shown with two arms, one resting upon his knee, the other raised in a gesture of offering. The trunk curves downward across the chest, its surface heavily encrusted but still clearly defined. The figure is carved from stone with striking natural blue and green mineral deposits, azurite and malachite, which have spread across the surface in mottled patches, creating an almost jewel-like effect. Ganesha, remover of obstacles and patron of learning, held an important role in Khmer temple complexes, where such images were frequently placed at entrances to serve as protectors. The surface bears extensive weathering and mineral accretions, softening the details yet adding to the aura of antiquity and sacred presence.