A Khmer sandstone figure of Lokeshvara, Anghor period, 12th or early 13th century, the standing figure is solid and powerfully modelled, he is represented in the distinctive Bayon style, with sturdy legs, pronounced kneecaps, and a defined naval, he is finely featured in the traditional manner with curved eyebrows, eyes closed in meditation, elongated earlobes and a mouth with the hint of a smile. He wears a ridged headdress, with cylindrical topknot and the diminutive seated figure of the Buddha Amitabha is characteristically depicted in his hair. He is carved with necklace and armbands, and is robed in a short sampot, with a single fishtail pleat, 70 cm high, note: the rulers of the Khmer empire in the thirteenth century were regarded as Lokeshvara's incarnation and his sculpted form was frequently depicted in Cambodia. the bodhisattva Lokeshvara was the god form of the reigning King. the identification made between this powerful and compassionate deity and Khmer royalty were deliberately intended to calm the concerns of a traumatized nation, who in recent years had felt threaterned by the Chams. It was during this period when this figure was sculptured, that Khmer Art reached its zenith. An Indian text in praise of this important and all compassionate deity stated that Lokeshvara bears the universe in his body, he is the symbol of infinite benevolence and power., reference: for similar examples, please refer to Sotheby's, New York, September 22, 2005, lots 35 &36, and Ibbitson Jessup's Art and Architecture of Cambodia, 2004, page 181. Provenance: private Australian collection since 1982, prior to that in the Douglas Latchford collection, exhibited in New York, together with paper work form Gander & white