This is a statue of Lakshmi, made of sandstone. It originated from the Preah Ko temple at the Roluos region in Siem Reap Province. It was brought to Phnom Penh many years ago and the currently registered into the collection of the National Museum. Experts determined that this statue belong to the Bayon style and was created between the late 12th or early 13th century of the Angkorian period, during the reign of the King Jayavarman VII.
The statue is holding lotus flowers in both hands. Attribute of Lakshmi, who is consort of Vishnu. It also represents King Jayavarman VII’s first wife, Jayarajadevi, who died at a young age, before he married a second wife, Indradevi. It is also regarded as a symbol of a Bodhisattva. Images of which were common throughout the kingdom at this time.
In a standing posture, the statue appear calm but cheerful. The shoulders are narrow and proportional to the slim figure, reflecting the creativity of the artist, surrounding it to be naturally appealing.