Southeast Asia, Cambodia, ca. 19th century CE. An impressive wooden Ekamukhalinga - a lingam (linga) featuring the face of the Hindu deity Shiva - enveloped in a lustrous, gold-hued pigment over red lacquer. Lingam, Sanskrit for "shaft of light" or "pillar of fire," are abstract representations of the Hindu god Shiva (or Siva). Most lingas are non-figural in form, their phallic shape alluding to Shiva’s transcendent power and generative energy. As described in the Lingapurana, the square base is symbolic of Brahma, the creator, the octagonal plinth represents Vishnu, the protector, and the cylindrical top represents Shiva. Ideas of perfect geometry also help relate the octagonal base to the cardinal and intermediate directions, while the circular pillar is implicitly the cosmic axis. Here, the face of Shiva manifests itself to devotees, providing a focus for veneration. Size: 7.3" W x 17.5" H (18.5 cm x 44.4 cm)

Provenance: private Stillwater, Minnesota, USA collection; ex-Jasper 52, New York City, New York, USA, February 18, 2017, lot 114

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#179255

Professionally repainted in areas. Heavy weathering to surface with some stable fissures to wood, chipping, and areas of old insect damage. Losses to wood on base. Liberal remaining pigments, lacquer, and detail. Modern felt pads on underside of base for protection.