Bronze. Ayutthya (Siam) presumably 15th – 16th cent.
A very rare superhuman sized head of an important museum quality Buddha, with distinct Sukhothai stylistic characteristics. The artistic heritage of the Sukhothai is graciously respresented here. According to historical records, the small kingdom existed from around 1250, after merely one century of independence became a vassal of Ayutthya, until fully annexed in 1438. Notable about this head is the increadible mildness arising from the inner piece of mind, which is touchingly conveyed here. A similar head, although slightly larger and dated Sukhothai 14th to early 15th cent., is in the Bangkok National Museum*. The typical aquiline nose, the soft eyebrow arches running into it or the contoured mouth with raised corners. The contour of the eyebrows is rather mild on this head and also the chin has a less pronounced contour. The curved eyelids are remarkably sensitive and showcase impressive craftsmanship. Typical for the Sukhothai is the ovoid elongation, which widens to the top. The tall clear forehead continues into a sizable part of the head which is covered by hair. The many locks are clockwise spinning spirals, the ushnisha is of medium size and the ketumala on top broken off. Judging by the damage, it must have been a hefty break. A short part of the right ear is also missing. The common breakage around the lower neck has been straightend – the trivali are still intact. Overall good condition, the face and scalp with locks enterily preserved. Brown and red patina with numerous green areas. Traces show that it was once gilded, mainly around the left eye. Mounted on a black veneered wooden base. HEIGHT HEAD 43 CM, TOTAL HEIGHT 54 CM
* Illustrated on page 169 of „Das Heilige Bildnis“, Museum for East Asian Art, Cologne 1979
From an old German private collection