Khmer Empire – Cambodia A copper alloy, traditionally described as bronze. A male deity standing at the lotus bud. - 12 cm

The Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th centuries in what is now Cambodia, is famed for its art and sculpture, often realized in bronze or copper alloys traditionally labeled as bronze. This piece depicts a male deity figure standing at a lotus bud, a symbol frequently associated with purity and spiritual awakening in Southeast Asian religious iconography. Copper alloy sculptures like this were typically cast using the lost-wax method, allowing for detailed representation of divine figures, which were integral to temple decorations and religious rites. The Khmer artistic style is characterized by a harmonious blend of Hindu and Buddhist themes, reflecting the empire's religious history and cultural exchange with neighboring regions. Standing at 12 cm, such figures might have served as portable devotional images or part of larger ritual contexts.