Dark bronze. East Thailand to Cambodia, approx. 18th to 19th cent.This rare sculpture with particularly interesting iconography shows the high god Shiva half male and half female. The difference can only be recognized by the breasts (and the attribute). This androgenous depiction is known as ardhanarishvara, the composite form of Shiva and Parvati. Very finely rendered and mildly wise facial features, jewellery on the head and ears. The sambat lioncloth is decorated and has the typical Khmer fishtail fold. The attribute of Shiva is missing, goddess Parvati’s is partly still intact and could possibly have been a lotus bud or blossom. Very good patina. The collector’s label on the back of the base notes the period Ratanakosin (not „kokin“), which began in 1767. Stylistically, this rare and sculpturally refined bronze offers distinct Khmer features and could originate from an area close to or in Cambodia.HEIGHT (WITHOUT BASE) 45,2 CM, BASE 12 CMFrom the Swiss collection Zuberbühler