Sandstone, Angkorian period, sandstone, 10th century, Cambodia

Purchased with Art Fund support

Formally in the collection of Gilbert Beatty of Palm Beach, Tanjong Kling, Malacca, Malaysia. According to the acquisition papers in the V&A archive, Beatty (also spelt Beattie) had built up his collection in the pre-war years. In the late 1950s, when Beaty was in his late 70s, he became good friends with his neighbours the Knight family, the father of the family being based in Malaysia as a member of the British armed forces. In 1960 he gave much of his collection to one of the Knight children, David, who had developed a real interest in Cambodian and Thai art despite his young age. The objects were shipped back to Britain with the rest of the family's possessions later the same year. Between 1991 and 1993 David Knight donated or sold the collection to the V&A. Knight died in June 1993.

This figure has the traces of four arms issuing from the shoulders, suggesting an identification with Visnu. The detailing of the the waistcloth and belts is exceptionally fine and may be taken as an indication of the quality of princely costume of the period. Note that appearance of pendant jewellery hanging from the belt.

Khmer, Cambodia

IS.70-1993