
Description
Antique Thai Bronze Buddha Head of Walking Buddha From the Ancient Kingdom of Sukhothai.
Antique bronze Buddha head from close to life-size walking Sukhothai style Buddha. Stands 11" tall. Well-cast. Probably from Sukhothai Kingdom 1238–1438 or later. Professional appraisal has been requested from the Denver Art Museum curators.
Acquired from Buddha Gallery auction in California. Previous owner purchased it almost 50 years ago while living as a diplomat (Ambassador) in SE Asia. From a Grand San Francisco home.
About the Sukhothai Buddha
The bronze head is representative of the Sukhothai style of Buddhist sculpture. The Sukhothai kingdom (now modern-day North and Central Thailand) rose to prominence during the mid-thirteenth century, historically becoming Thailand's first kingdom. From 1378 to 1438, Sukhothai became a vassal state of the succeeding Ayutthaya kingdom and was fully subsumed by the fifteenth century. Despite the decline of the kingdom, Sukhothai art influenced subsequent Thai art styles, and Sukhothai Buddha statues remain distinguishable today.
Key characteristics of the Sukhothai style of Buddha, as seen in this bronze head, include a symmetrical perfect oval face, a slender and prominent aquiline nose, snail shell curls, downcast eyes, elongated earlobes and pointed ears, and gentle arched eyebrows. The face possesses a gentle smile, conveying a peaceful, meditative, and serene demeanor. The statue also has a flaming ushnisha, adding to the energy, radiance, and enlightened qualities of the Buddha. Compare the facial features of the present work with those of a bronze Seated Buddha in mÄravijaya from the fifteenth century, illustrated by H. Woodward, Jr. in The Sacred Sculpture of Thailand, London, 1997, p. 144, fig. 145, cat. no. 55.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent used condition. Few signs of wear from age and use. Very well preserved. Very small hole on bronze around lower neck, at the neck base. This does not affect how it sits.
Dimensions:
Height: 11 in.
Width: 6 in.
Depth: 8 in.
Category: Sculpture
Origin: Thailand
Materials: Bronze
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $59.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: No International Shipping for this auction. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from Denver, CO
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Antique bronze Buddha head from close to life-size walking Sukhothai style Buddha. Stands 11" tall. Well-cast. Probably from Sukhothai Kingdom 1238–1438 or later. Professional appraisal has been requested from the Denver Art Museum curators.
Acquired from Buddha Gallery auction in California. Previous owner purchased it almost 50 years ago while living as a diplomat (Ambassador) in SE Asia. From a Grand San Francisco home.
About the Sukhothai Buddha
The bronze head is representative of the Sukhothai style of Buddhist sculpture. The Sukhothai kingdom (now modern-day North and Central Thailand) rose to prominence during the mid-thirteenth century, historically becoming Thailand's first kingdom. From 1378 to 1438, Sukhothai became a vassal state of the succeeding Ayutthaya kingdom and was fully subsumed by the fifteenth century. Despite the decline of the kingdom, Sukhothai art influenced subsequent Thai art styles, and Sukhothai Buddha statues remain distinguishable today.
Key characteristics of the Sukhothai style of Buddha, as seen in this bronze head, include a symmetrical perfect oval face, a slender and prominent aquiline nose, snail shell curls, downcast eyes, elongated earlobes and pointed ears, and gentle arched eyebrows. The face possesses a gentle smile, conveying a peaceful, meditative, and serene demeanor. The statue also has a flaming ushnisha, adding to the energy, radiance, and enlightened qualities of the Buddha. Compare the facial features of the present work with those of a bronze Seated Buddha in mÄravijaya from the fifteenth century, illustrated by H. Woodward, Jr. in The Sacred Sculpture of Thailand, London, 1997, p. 144, fig. 145, cat. no. 55.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent used condition. Few signs of wear from age and use. Very well preserved. Very small hole on bronze around lower neck, at the neck base. This does not affect how it sits.
Dimensions:
Height: 11 in.
Width: 6 in.
Depth: 8 in.
Category: Sculpture
Origin: Thailand
Materials: Bronze
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Excellent used condition. Few signs of wear from age and use. Very well preserved. Very small hole on bronze around lower neck, at the neck base. This does not affect how it sits.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Antique Thai Bronze Buddha Head of Walking Buddha From the Ancient Kingdom of Sukhothai
Estimate $2,130-$6,380
Starting Price
$1,100
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The May Edit: Vintage & Antique Finds Art I
May 04, 2026 4:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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