Radiant Buddha Head

Northern Thailand

Early Lan Na period, 15th century

Bronze with light green patina

H28cm

Provenance: acquired through the renowned collector Jean-Claude Moreau-Gobard, from whom it was sold in 1990

This Buddha head dates to the 15th century and belongs to the early Chiang Saen period of the Lanna Kingdom in northern Thailand.

During the Golden Age of Lanna, numerous workshops flourished throughout northern Thailand. Although these ateliers produced subtle stylistic variations, the iconography remained largely uniform. This head displays all the hallmarks of early Chiang Saen sculpture: the powerful and serene expression, the arched brow line, the full mouth, the finely modelled features and the tightly rendered hair texture. His eyes had been inlaid with mother-of-pearl.  The elongated earlobes are particularly striking and beautifully executed; their fullness and graceful curvature reflect the refined aesthetic of the Lanna ateliers during this period. The full, elegantly rising flame finial is also remarkable.

Works from the 16th century show a more evident Sukhothai influence—with elongated facial proportions and more elegant, flowing lines—but this piece preserves the more compact, classical characteristics of the earlier Chiang Saen style, supporting its attribution to the 15th century.

The piece was originally acquired through the renowned collector Jean-Claude Moreau-Gobard, from whom it was sold in 1990, accompanied by his certificate of authenticity.