Indochinese Art

Sculptures from Khmer, Pagan Kingdoms and North India

Indochinese art of the Middle Ages, encompassing roughly the period from the 9th to the 15th centuries, is characterized by a rich diversity of cultural influences and unique developments in the regions that today comprise Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. During this period, the area saw the rise and fall of powerful empires such as the Khmer Empire in Cambodia and the Kingdoms of Pagan in Myanmar, each contributing significantly to the artistic heritage of Southeast Asia.

**Cambodia**: The most illustrious period in Cambodian art occurred during the Khmer Empire, particularly in the construction of monumental temple complexes like Angkor Wat (early 12th century) and Bayon (late 12th century). These temples are noted for their intricate stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu and Buddhist deities, mythological scenes, and everyday life.

**Vietnam**: In Vietnam, the art of the Middle Ages was heavily influenced by Chinese rule and later, Chinese cultural influx, seen extensively in ceramics and architecture. Distinctive styles emerged in sculpture and temple decoration, particularly with the flourishing of Buddhism.

**Myanmar**: Myanmar's Pagan Kingdom left a vast architectural legacy, with over 10,000 Buddhist temples, stupas, and monasteries built between the 11th and 13th centuries around the Pagan plain. The art of this period is known for its stucco reliefs, mural paintings, and intricate carvings.

**Thailand**: During the Middle Ages, various Thai kingdoms, such as the Kingdom of Sukhothai (13th-14th centuries), developed their unique styles. Thai art is distinguished by elegant Buddha statues with a characteristic graceful, sinuous form and walking posture, which were different from the stiffer forms of neighboring Khmer or Burmese art.

**Laos**: Lao art in the Middle Ages is closely associated with the Lan Xang kingdom and is best represented in religious art and architecture, including the construction of stupas and temples which often feature detailed wood carvings and serene Buddha images.

Kingdom of Pagan lasted around 300 years from 849 - 1297.

Pagan is famous for its large number of Buddhist Temples.

The mythical ancient civilization of Angkor Wat from 14th. century, was discovered around 1860.

Sculpture of Shiva, Cambodia Khmer Empire, Sandstone 10th – 11th Century, 120 cm

Sculpture of Vishnu Sandstone, 115 cm, Khmer Empire 11th- 12th Century

Sculpture of Shiva, Cambodia Khmer Empire, Sandstone 10th – 11th Century, 120 cm

Sculpture Yaksha Sandstone 109 cm Khmer Empire 11. century,

Sculpture of Uma Sandstone 129 cm Khmer Empire 10.-12. Century

Crowned Buddha sculpture, Sandstone 90 cm Thailand or Cambodia. (11. century)

Stone sculpture of Hariti with helio Probably Mathura, Kushan Period 2nd -3rd century Hight ca 100 cm

Sculpture of crowned Hariti with helio, sandstone.
Holding a snake (?) in the left hand and probably a vase in the right hand.
From a British collection

Stele depicting Vishnu with a child. North-India, Madhya Pradesh or Uttar Pradesh 10th -12th century (?) Hight 45 cm

This sandstone frieze depicts Vishnu holding a child on his left side. A small Buddha is placed on the top.

From a British collection.

North-India Vishnu, Probably 10th -11th century AD Hight 39 cm

Crowned Buddha Pagan, wood sculpture 11-12th Century Hight: 210 cm

A very rare hardwood sculpture of a crowned Buddha. Beautifully carved pattern on skirt with traces of original paint.
From a German collection.
Bought in Burma before 1980.