Southeast Asia, Thailand, late Ayutthaya Period, ca. 18th century CE. A fine and beautifully detailed cast leaded brass head of Buddha, with a large, multi-tiered ushnisha atop his head indicating that he has attained Enlightenment, as well as an elaborate crown adorned with floral and beaded motifs in bas relief. The Buddha looks downward with a serene expression comprised of heavily laden meditative eyes, an aquiline nose, and closed lips. He presents characteristically elongated earlobes. Depicted with a round face and elegant features, the Buddha's pronounced brow line, distinctive floral-patterned crown, and tiered ushnisha are characteristics particular to the Ayutthaya period. Size: 6.15" W x 10.5" H (15.6 cm x 26.7 cm); 15.45" H (39.2 cm) on included custom stand.
The head of Buddha is perhaps the most significant element of the deity as it represents his immense body of knowledge and wisdom along with the tranquil nature that emanates from its expression. The prominent elongated ears are a physical feature symbolic of the Buddha's time as a prince when he wore elaborate ear ornaments to demonstrate wealth and prosperity. Of course, the prince stopped wearing them when he left the palace to become an ascetic; however, his earlobes remained stretched signifying a renunciation of the material world. Beyond the multi-layered meaning embodied in the iconography of this piece, the technique executed to create the meticulously delineated curls of his coiffure and the absolute smoothness of the contours of that face is very impressive!
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex private New York USA collection
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#156164
Condition
Head is from a larger statue and the neck is slightly rough on its lower end. Repair on center of crown and another on the lower back of the head. Overall, this is well done and difficult to see.