Paper short abstract:

Extensive technical investigations of a large, well-preserved Khmer bronze sculpture of a male deity in the Metropolitan Museum of Art demonstrate the exemplary skills in lost-wax casting of Angkorian bronze casters during the 11th century and identify previously undiscovered techniques.

Paper long abstract:

In the Cambodian collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a large bronze sculpture of a two-armed standing male deity (1988.355), possibly found in Northeast Thailand, Buriram province. Although it defies ready identification, representing either the Hindu deity Śiva in anthropomorphic form or a deified king, this image is dated on stylistic grounds to the second half of the 11th century. To better understand its fabrication, the statue was studied visually and instrumentally at the Metropolitan's Sherman Fairchild Center for Objects Conservation and the Department of Scientific Research in collaboration with the Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France. Following a methodological approach adapted for examining lost-wax-cast bronze sculptures, a large number of analytical techniques were used. In addition to its inestimable historical and art-historical value, the Metropolitan image is a technical masterpiece, demonstrating the exemplary skills of Khmer bronze casters during the 11th century. New information on foundry practices was discovered, such as alignment marks, multiple cast parts, flow-fusion welding and polychromy. From this rare, well-preserved sculpture, we can explore the original appearance of bronze cult icons and hence, aesthetic tastes during this time period. Its large size and use of imported commodities for its decoration are additional evidence of fine quality production commissioned by high status, wealthy patrons; certainly from the royal court and administrative elite.