South East Asia Bronze Buddha
Vishnu
Four Armed
Indonesia. Circa: early 20th century
H 16 in.(41cm), W 7.5 in.(19cm), D 4 in(10cm.)
Condition: very good

Vishnu, protector of the universe and all the creatures within it, stands solidly on a double lotus base, his posture upright yet supple with the left knee slightly bent. He is naked except for a thin sampot with a clasped belt of the type worn by royalty and a twisted scarf which gathers and falls in a narrow drape at either side. His face is rendered in the style of the 10th - 12th C., with arched outlined eyebrows, sensual features and softly upturned mouth. He wears the Kiritamukuta, the highest of all crowns, which is heavily ornamented with floral and foliate patterns, and large jeweled earrings. He holds the royal whisk, the bhumba, (holy water vessel) and a ring of sacred beads. An overall black/green patina graces the statue which, with its harmonious proportions and delicate notes of detail, emanates an uplifting beauty, gentleness and a reassuring presence.