• Authentic Khmer bronze statue of Vishnu, 29 cm high, 13th-14th century, full front view.
  • Three-quarter view of the four-armed Vishnu with Chakra and Shanka attributes.
  • Side view of the Vishnu, showing the sharp lines and authentic patina.
  • Rear view of the statue, showing the integral casting structure and clothing details.
  • Right profile of the 13th-century temple bronze.
  • Close-up of the head and navel (Baphuon style), showing the refined casting artistry.
  • Forensic evidence of the underside with petrified casting core and the golden ritual deposit.
  • Microscopic detail of the Baphuon-style navel, showing the sharp casting and the natural micro-pitting of the antique bronze.
  • Dino-Lite inclusion of the golden ritual deposit in the core; shows no reaction to acetone, which confirms the presence of pure precious metal.
  • Close-up of the petrified casting core surrounding the gold filling, showing the organic transition and mineralization without modern binders.
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1stbuddha

Rare Khmer Vishnu | 13th-14th Century | With Ritual Gold Deposit | Museum Quality

Rare Khmer Vishnu | 13th-14th Century | With Ritual Gold Deposit | Museum Quality

€8.790,00 EUR
€8.790,00 EUR
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Spiritual Heritage: Four-Armed Vishnu with 'Golden Heart'

This exceptional bronze statue of the god Vishnu (the Preserver) is a technical and spiritual masterpiece from the transitional period of the Khmer Empire (13th - 14th century). With a height of 29 cm, this piece embodies the refinement of the Angkor tradition, combined with a rare degree of preservation.

Forensic Audit & Authenticity

At 1stbuddha, we base value on evidence. This object has been subjected to a full forensic analysis:

  • Ritual Gold Deposit (Nidhi): Microscopic examination (Dino-Lite) has revealed a unique feature: an intact gold offering (gold leaf/foil) deeply embedded in the casting core. This 'golden heart' was ritually placed to imbue the statue with life—a feature found exclusively in important temple commissions.
  • Chemical Inertness Test (Acetone): The mineral patina (calcite deposits) and the gold core do not react to chemical solvents. The temporary transparency of the patina upon contact with liquid confirms a porous, natural crystal structure that takes decades (or centuries) to form.
  • UV Verification (365nm): The casting core exhibits a 'dead' response under UV light, confirming the absence of modern resins, binders, or plastics.
  • Micro-Pitting: Under 50x magnification, the 'skin' of the bronze shows natural oxidation craters, which distinguishes a historical bronze from a modern patinated replica.

Technical Specifications

Origin Khmer Empire (Cambodia / Lopburi region)
Period 13th - 14th Century (Late Angkor Style)
Material Antique bronze with remains of gold lacquer and mineral patina
Dimensions Height: 29 cm | Width: 10 cm
Weight 900 grams (Hollow casting with original core)

Asking price

This object comes with all microscopic images and the results of the tests.

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