Khmer Buddha, 12th-13th centuries. Carved gold.

Khmer Buddha, 12th-13th century.
Carved gold.
Measurements: 8 x 4.3 cm; 11.9 x 9 cm (box).
The Khmer or Khmer is one of the most important cultures that developed in Indochina. The first inscriptions in their language appear at the beginning of the 7th century, in the Indian kingdom of Tshenla, located in the middle course of the Mekong River. The Khmers reorganised politically and in the 9th century achieved the unity of present-day Cambodia under Jayavarman II (802-850), founder of the kingdom of Angkor. Jayavarman II had spent his youth at the refined court of the Javanese Sailendra and brought to his country a strong influence of Javanese culture and Javanese court etiquette.
Khmer art reached its height of splendour during the Angkor period between the 9th and 13th centuries, and spanned a wide range of fields, including textiles, lacquer, ceramics, goldsmithing, etc. Khmer sculpture began to break away from the Indian influence from the 7th century onwards and, after a long process of stylistic evolution, developed its own original language, which was consolidated in the 10th century. It was mainly carved in stone and with religious themes, although on many occasions the sacred theme became a mere excuse for depicting court scenes, even if they featured gods. Hence the greater degree of realism compared to Indian art, as the artists took royal courtiers as their models. The result is admirable images of gods of imposing presence, endowed with a certain feminine sensuality and sophisticated beauty.