A ROCK CRYSTAL LINGA AND BRONZE YONI, ANGKOR PERIOD
Khmer empire, 12th-13th century. The linga is supported by the square stepped yoni terminating in a tapered spout and covered entirely in a rich, naturally grown patina with distinct malachite encrustation. The finely cut linga is completely transparent with a flat base and a rounded top, the stone of good clarity with few minute natural inclusions. (2)


Provenance:
French trade.

Condition:
Very good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, signs of weathering and erosion, encrustations overall, small losses, casting flaws, minor dents. It cannot be said with certainty that the Linga is original to the Yoni, but the crystal is ancient and fits perfectly well, and so it has a good chance to be.

Weight: 1.001.2
Dimensions: Length 14.6 cm


The lingam and yoni
(or snanadroni) are aniconic representations of Shiva and Uma. They are symbolic of the female and male reproductive organs, which within Hinduism bring a balance to the cosmos when joined together. Within Hindu countries, adoration of the lingam was understood to be worship of the great generative principle of the universe, conceptualized as an aspect of Shiva. Some of the Khmer kings identified themselves with Shiva, placing a lingam at the summit of their most important temples as part of their royal paraphernalia.


Literature comparison:

Compare a closely related quartz linga and bronze-silver alloy snanadroni, dated to the Angkor period, in the National Museum in Phnom Penh, accession number Ga.3557. Compare a related Khmer stone linga with architectural base, 37.5 cm high, dated to the Angkor period, ca. 975, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1988.393.


Auction result comparison:

Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 23 March 1999, lot 222
Price: USD 9,200 or approx.
EUR 15,500
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A quartz linga and gilt bronze yoni, Thailand, 15th century or earlier
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form. Note the gilding, separate cylindrical cover, and size (19.8 cm). Note the Thai attribution.