Lot 74
Southeast Asia, Thailand, Ayutthaya period, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. A beautiful and serene example of a cast-leaded bronze Buddha head. The face is wonderfully-expressive, with sweeping, arched brows above elegant, downcast eyes, a naturalistic nose, and slender lips in a gentle smile. The hair is stylized in a distinctive curled pattern, and pulled up into a bun with a hole at the top from which a flaming ushnisha once rose. The clear brow line and demarcated border around the hair are characteristics of typical Thai Buddha depictions. Size: 4.8" W x 8.1" H (12.2 cm x 20.6 cm); 12.8" H (32.5 cm) on included custom stand.
The head of the Buddha is perhaps the most significant element of the deity as it represents the immense body of knowledge and wisdom of Buddha along with the tranquil nature that emanates from his expression. What's more, in this example the sculptor's adept modelling technique allows for a moving spiritual interpretation as opposed to other comparatively colder, stiffer renderings. A peaceful countenance with a rounded ushnisha symbolizing the wisdom and knowledge acquired after attaining enlightenment. Buddha's full mouth signifies his gift of eloquent speech. Those half-closed eyes indicate a meditative state - at once looking both outward and inward. Furthermore, the curled, short hair of the Buddha signifies the nobility of Buddha. Beyond the multi-layered meaning embodied in the iconography of this piece, the sculptor's artistry and technique is exceptional.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York City, New York, USA, September 29th, 2022, lot 526; ex-Jane and Jack Weprin collection, New York City, New York, USA, acquired in the 1970s - 1991, thence by descent
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#177283
- Condition: Fragment of a larger sculpture with losses to back and sides of head, as well as missing flaming ushnisha. Some light nicks and abrasions throughout, as well as stable surface fissures to coiffure. Otherwise, elegant presentation with nice remaining detail. Permanently adhered to custom stand with old Arte Primitivo label on underside.
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