Ancient Kingdom Of Siam, Ayutthaya School, 16th Century, Sandstone Buddha Head On A Stand

The Buddha’s face, of great softness, is set within an oblong shape and distinguished by fine curving brows of perfect symmetry that meet at the base of an aquiline nose with flared nostrils. Heavy eyelids rest over half-closed almond-shaped eyes, evoking the deep meditation of the Enlightened One.
A fine moustache crowns a mouth with full lips and pronounced corners, its faint smile expressing the Blessed One’s detachment from earthly passions and concerns. The hair, once lacquered, is framed by a broad V-shaped hairline and composed of a multitude of small, regular curls. The crown of the head, surmounted by the ushnisha, once bore a flame-shaped ornament.

Our Buddha head reflects a transitional phase in Ayutthaya art during the 16th century, a period when the Siamese style was consolidating while still retaining certain features of Khmer heritage. The full face, thick lips, and fine moustache refer to this ancient lineage, with the moustache being a rather uncommon detail in Ayutthaya statuary and attesting to the continuing Khmer influence.
The soft modeling, inward smile, and tightly curled hair, on the other hand, express the serenity characteristic of the early productions of the Ayutthaya kingdom. Removed from the vigor of Angkorian art, the work reflects an ideal of calm and balance symbolizing Buddhist spirituality and embodies a refined synthesis between tradition and aesthetic achievement.

Gray sandstone with traces of polychrome lacquer
Visible losses and surface wear
17 × 11 cm without stand
Archaïa Gallery, Lyon