Head of Harihara

Historical period(s)
Angkor period, mid 10th century
Medium
Sandstone
Dimensions
H x W x D: 27.6 x 19.3 x 17.2 cm (10 7/8 x 7 5/8 x 6 3/4 in)
Geography
Cambodia
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S1987.900
On View Location
Sackler: Level 2 Elevator Lobby
Classification(s)
Sculpture, Stone
Type

Hindu sculpture

Keywords
Angkor period (802 - 1431), Buddhism, Cambodia, Harihara, Vishnu
Provenance

?-at least 1968
William H. Wolff, Inc., New York, NY, method of acquisition unknown [1]

From at least 1968-1987
Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987), probably purchased from William H. Wolff, Inc. [2]

From 1987
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Arthur M. Sackler [3]

Notes:
[1] See photograph in object file, “WM. H. WOLFF INC.” stamp with annotation noting the stock number “02/660A” on verso. The photograph is undated.

[2] See note 1. See also the “Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Gift Inventory,” number L68.13.20, copy in object file. In 1968, Arthur M. Sackler loaned the sculpture to the Brooklyn Museum, where the museum assigned it the loan number of “L68.13.20.”

[3] Pursuant to the agreement between Arthur M. Sackler and the Smithsonian Institution, dated July 28, 1982, legal title of the donated objects was transferred to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery on September 11, 1987.

Researched completed October 19, 2022

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

William H. Wolff, Inc. 1906-1991
Dr. Arthur M. Sackler 1913-1987

Label

The Hindu god Shiva has a third eye at the center of his forehead. Because only half of the third eye is present here, we know that this deity is Hari-Hara, who is half Shiva and half Vishnu. Hari-Hara was first seen in Indian sculpture, but he became most popular in Cambodia. His three-tier headdress is intricately carved with floral designs. The crown's pyramidal form resembles Cambodian temple towers, which in turn emulate the shape of Mount Meru, believed to be the center of the cosmos.

Published References
  • Emma C. Bunker, Douglas Latchford. Adoration and Glory: The Golden Age of Khmer Art., 1st ed. Chicago. p.181.
Collection Area(s)
Southeast Asian Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
F|S Southeast Asia
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