Bronze Bust Sculpture Of An Apsara Dancer, Vietnam, Indochina, Bien Hoa School, 20th Century

Sculpture in bronze with a brown patina, depicting the bust of an Apsara* or Cambodian dancer, wearing an embroidered garment with epaulets and a tiered headdress with a characteristic spike, mounted on a wooden base; from Indochina— Vietnam, most likely a work from the BienHoa** School of Applied Arts, dating from the early 20th century.

This bust is in good condition and of fine quality. Very decorative due to its size.

Please note: some slight soiling and scratches; the colored parts of the garment (most likely enamel) are occasionally worn; signs of age—see photos.

* The Apsara is a female spirit of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist mythology—a “celestial nymph” or “celestial maiden.”  Apsaras are beautiful, supernatural female beings. They are young, elegant, and superb in the art of dance. They are often the wives of the Gandharvas, the musicians of Indra’s court. They dance to the music played by the Gandharvas, usually in the palaces of the gods, entertaining and sometimes seducing both gods and mortals. As guardians of fallen heroes, they can be compared to the Valkyries of Norse mythology.  As ethereal beings who dwell in the heavens and are often depicted in flight or in the service of a god, they can be compared to angels. Apsaras are said to be able to change their form at will and to rule over the fortunes of game and play. They are also associated with fertility rites.

* * In 1903, on the initiative of Georges Maspéro, the Biên-Hòa School of Applied Arts was founded, with the aim of training art casters, potters, and ceramicists, drawing on an ancient local folk tradition. The school’s curriculum combines aesthetics rooted in Vietnamese history with Chinese, Khmer, and French (Art Nouveau and later Art Deco), giving Biên-Hòa’s productions a uniquely syncretic character.

• Total height 44.5 cm / bust 40 cm
• Shoulder width 25.5 cm
• Base 16 cm x 14 cm
• G20 73
• All photos are available at:
  www.antiques-delaval.com