Buddha Head In Tuff From The Majapahit Kingdom

Male head in tuff, volcanic rock formed by the accumulation of ash and debris thrown up during eruptions, probably of Buddha since we notice the 3 folds on the neck (distinctive sign -lakshana- of Buddha for compassion, wisdom and longevity), associated moreover with the elongated earlobes. Majapahit Kingdom, Hujung Medini (Malay Peninsula, southern Thailand), 15th century. Although the Majapahit kingdom developed from Java, it has a stylized headdress from Sumatran art of the time as well as large ear rings. The kingdom expanded to Sumatra in 1377 by annexing Sriwijaya. This head is therefore to be dated to the end of the 14th century.Provenance: Claude de Marteau CollectionSold with certificate of provenance.Head only: H 12 cm x W 10 cm x D 10 cmOn base: H 20 cmThe kingdom of Majapahit, founded in 1293 on the island of Java, is one of the most powerful empires in island Southeast Asia. Its capital was located at Trowulan, and its golden age took place in the 14th century, under the reign of King Hayam Wuruk (1350–1389) and his famous Prime Minister Gajah Mada. The latter aimed to unify the entire Malay archipelago, Nusantara, which led Majapahit to extend its influence over a vast region including Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Bali, Celebes, the Malay Peninsula (Southern Thailand) and even parts of the Philippines. Majapahit was a centralized state based on a complex network of vassal kingdoms and alliances. Religiously, it was distinguished by a refined syncretism between Hinduism and Buddhism, which was reflected in its art, its Old Javanese literature, and its architecture, notably the red brick temples with rich bas-reliefs. The decline of the kingdom began in the 15th century, weakened by internal conflicts and the rise of Muslim kingdoms such as the Sultanate of Demak, which finally supplanted it around 1527. Majapahit, however, remains a powerful symbol in Indonesian collective memory, inspiring to this day the idea of national unity around the concept of Nusantara, a kind of unity in diversity. See this tuff Buddha head from the Majapahit Kingdom in full screen mode on Vintage Addict