This is a rare antique Cambodian bronze statue/ashtray depicting a dancing Apsara. T
hese ashtrays were made by local artisans for the French from 1850 until the early 1920’s when they controlled the Indochina peninsula.  The motifs were taken  from the old Cambodian culture, the Khmer period, which was from 800 to 1350 AD. The craftsmanship was excellent and changed from time to time with makers signing their work with symbols on the back of the base.
This piece measures 14.5 cm (5.75 in) tall from the base bottom of the back to the point of the headdress. The statue alone  is 11.3 cm (4.5 in) tall, 6.5 cm (2.5 in) wide at the elbow, and 2 cm thick at
the trunk.  Ashtray base  is 3 cm tall, 8.7 cm long on the bottom and 7.7 cm long at the top and 7 cm wide (2.75 inches) at the base of the ashtray.   It weighs 380 grams (13.3 oz.).   A great place to keep trinkets, keys, coins, jewelry, offerings, or other small things.   Apsara’s are celestial female beings who descend from Indra’s heaven to entertain gods and kings with their graceful dancing.  They are also associated with clouds and water in Hindu and Buddhist culture.
I have partnered with an American friend living in Thailand to make this and other collectible antique pieces available.  He has spent most of his adult life living and working in Nepal and Thailand, while also traveling frequently to Burma, India, and Cambodia, and has amassed an incredible collection of these and other hand made antique wares over the last 40 years.  None of his relatives have any interest in the items, so he has asked me to help find them new homes with those who will appreciate their beauty and artistic value.
PLEASE NOTE:  This item will be safely and securely shipped free of charge from Thailand by the owner via EMS (an average of 5-7 business days in transit).  Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.  Thanks for shopping 🙂