Head of Buddha

17th century, Ava style

Sandstone, brown laquered 

H40xL23xD18cm

Provenance: European Collection, before Christies Amsterdam 31.10.2006

A refined representation and great meditative intensity qualify this Buddha head sculpted in sandstone. The decorative touch is added by a thick layer of brown lacquer. The hieratic face, topped by the ushnisha in the shape of a lotus flower bud, is typical of the Ava style in its squarer shape, the firmly drawn nose with palpitating nostrils, the line of the eyes and the clearly marked eyebrows.