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Head of Buddha

Thailand

Ayutthaya period, 15th century

Copper alloy with traces of gilding and gold leaf

Height: 15 3/4 in. (40 cm.)

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Head of Buddha, Thailand, Ayutthaya period, 15th century, copper alloy head with closed eyes, arched brows, elongated nose, gentle smile, elongated earlobes, tightly curled hair, and prominent ushnisha.

Provenance:
English Private Collection
Marcel Nies Oriental Art, Antwerp
The Maitri Collection, acquired in 2018
 

This finely-cast head depicts the Buddha with heavily-lidded eyes beneath elegantly-arched brows. The elongated nose, softly-modeled lips, and pendulous earlobes create a balanced composition, while tightly-arranged rows of snail-shell curls rise to a prominent ushnisha. The measured proportions of the face and the restrained modeling of its features contribute to the sculpture's calm presence.

Characteristic of Ayutthaya-period sculpture, the face combines softly-rounded contours with a highly-ordered arrangement of features. The arched brows, lowered eyes, and gentle smile convey composure, while the rhythmic pattern of the curls provides a subtle decorative contrast to the smooth surfaces of the face.

Head of Buddha, Thailand, Ayutthaya period, 15th century, copper alloy head with closed eyes, arched brows, elongated nose, gentle smile, elongated earlobes, tightly curled hair, and prominent ushnisha.

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