A RARE AND TL-TESTED KHMER BRONZE FIGURE OF VISHVAKARMAN, BAYON STYLE, 13TH CENTURY Khmer Empire, circa 1225. Seated on a double base and carrying a hoe over his right shoulder, wearing a crown, heavy earrings, bracelets on his arms, and a pectoral collar. Provenance: Formerly in the collection of R. Ronveaux, France, by repute acquired during the late 1960s to early 1970s and thence by descent in this family. A Belgian private collection, acquired from the above. A copy of a 'Certificat D'Expertise' by J. Y. Nathan, Paris, France, dated 16 March 2018, confirming the dating of this piece, accompanies this lot. Condition: Excellent condition with wear and casting flaws as well as extensive malachite patina and encrustations. Scientific Analysis Report: A Thermoluminescence sample analysis has been conducted by Laboratory Kotalla, Germany, and confirms an age of around 1050 years. A copy of the laboratory report accompanies this lot. Weight: 255.9 g Dimensions: Height 11.2 cm Vishvakarman is the personification of ultimate reality and deity of the creative power. According to the Rigveda, he is considered to be the architect or divine engineer of the universe from before the advent of time. Literature comparison: A related bronze from the Samuel Eilenberg Collection (accession number 1987.142.3) can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.