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Antique Khmer Style Angkor Wat Reclining Vishnu Statue - Protector & Preserver - 43cm/17" Long
Measurements 43cm/17" Long
An antique 12th century Angkor Wat style bronze reclining Khmer Vishnu sculpture.
Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, is the preserver and protector of the universe, according to the Trimurti (the holy trinity consisting of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer). Here Vishnu is depicted in the spiritually significant pose of Reclining Vishnu, also known as Anantasayana Vishnu.
The image speaks not only to his role as the preserver of the universe but also to the profound Hindu concepts of time, space, creation, and the cyclical nature of existence. This serene and majestic representation of Vishnu carries layers of philosophical meaning, offering insights into the nature of the universe and the ultimate reality (Brahman).
A reclining figure of Vishnu lying on the coils of the serpent, Shesha. At the beginning of a cosmic cycle Vishnu is shown reclining on the serpent Shesha (also called Ananta).
In this traditional depiction of Reclining Vishnu, the god is portrayed resting upon Ananta Shesha, the great cosmic serpent whose name means "endless" or "infinite." Shesha is depicted here with seven hoods, symbolizing the infinite nature of cosmic time and space. Vishnu's reclining position is a posture of tranquility and ease, even though he is at the heart of the universe’s eternal cycles of creation and destruction.
Beneath Vishnu, Shesha's endless coils represent the cyclical nature of time, known as Kalachakra. Time, in Hindu cosmology, is not linear but cyclical, moving through repeating cycles of creation, preservation, and dissolution, known as Yugas. Vishnu, resting upon this eternal being, symbolizes his transcendent nature—he is beyond time, space, and change.
His right hand supports his conical headress while the left arm is stretched out along his body with his hand being lifted up by his consort, Shridevi or Lakshmi. A lotus blossom on a stalk rises up behind him with Brahma perched on top.
The goddess Lakshmi is shown, knelt at the front of the image, massaging him. The form of headdress Vishnu wears is characteristic of the Angkor Wat style .
The Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort and the goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity, represents material wealth and spiritual abundance, and her presence alongside Vishnu reinforces the idea that the preservation of the universe is dependent not just on cosmic order, but also on the blessings of prosperity and harmony in life.
Her act of massaging Vishnu’s feet symbolizes her devotion, as well as the harmonious balance between the divine masculine and feminine forces of the universe. In this portrayal, Vishnu and Lakshmi together symbolize the balance and unity necessary to sustain life and the world.
A tiny figure of Brahma sits on top of the lotus flower rising from Vishnu's navel.
The image of Reclining Vishnu is one of profound beauty and deep symbolism. It encapsulates key concepts in Hindu cosmology: the cyclical nature of time, the balance between creation and dissolution, and the preservation of harmony in the universe. Vishnu’s serene rest on the endless coils of Ananta Shesha teaches us about the importance of stillness, balance, and surrender in both the cosmic order and our personal lives.
As the preserver of the universe, Vishnu, in his reclining form, reminds us that even in the moments of rest and pause, the divine process of creation and preservation continues.
It is a visual representation of the eternal, unchanging reality behind all existence, a gentle yet powerful reminder that we are all part of this cosmic balance, eternally preserved in the care of the divine.
The Vishnu has perfect balance and proportions which are the key to a fine Vishnu sculpture.
The casting is beautiful as you can see in the fine details of the face and hands. Each detail is rendered perfectly.The patina and details of this piece are particularly appealing. The perfect traditional in appearance Vishnu to bring serenity and timeless style to you home, office or sacred space.
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Items less than 2Kg we typically ship using Royal Mail.
Once we receive your order we try to ship all orders the same or next working day.
Large and/or fragile pieces requiring palletising, specialist crating and/or extra packaging may take a little longer. Palletised shipments will be delivered curbside.
All orders over 35 GBP will be shipped free of charge.
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We genuinely hope that all purchases delight.
However, if they do not, regardless of reason, we will refund all orders upon receipt of the unwanted item. Just notify us within 14 days of receiving your order that you wish to make a return and send the piece back to us with 30 days of delivery.
