Khmer Bayon Bronze Garuda on Naga Finial, 12th/14th Century, Cambodia

The tall standard or finial is composed of two parts: the tall support, and the wonderful image of Garuda on Naga, all with a stunning patina of malachite green and blue azurite.

The removable Garuda on Naga plaque is well cast in high relief with fine details. The face of Garuda is expressive and intense, with a pronounced beak and bushy eyebrows. He holds his wings and arms upwards. His legs bent and splayed in a warrior’s stance.

Garuda is dressed in royal attire, with a tall, conical crown, heavy earrings, a large pectoral and necklace, various bracelets, armlets and anklets. A sampot covers his lower half. Garuda’s long and elaborate tail feathers trailing on either side.

Underneath the powerful Garuda is an image of a five headed naga, the five heads branching out from a thick, coiled body, their hoods spread out magnificently behind them. Their serpentine heads feature bulging eyes, a rounded snout, and an extended tongue.

The tall finial would most likely have been used in processions, or perhaps been attached to a palanquin or boat prow. Crafted of bronze in several parts and joined, with a slightly bowed shape. While the Garuda on Naga plaque is still present, empty slots around the tall finial indicate other figures or decorative elements would have also adorned the finial. The large open space atop the finial would almost certainly have held a large image of Vishnu, who is often depicted riding on the back of Garuda.

Garuda is considered a divine being in Cambodian culture. He is the mount for Lord Vishnu, and a protector in his own right. He and his kin are mortal enemies of the Nagas, the snake like beings prevalent in Hindu and Buddhist mythology.

With Christie’s New York inventory tags.

Height of Garuda on Naga only: 11.5″

Provenance: Estate of George Heyer, Jr.
Jonathan Tucker Antonia Tozer Asian Art, 2001