Ancient Kingdom Of Siam, Ayutthaya School, 16th-17th Century

A fine Buddha head characteristic of the classical Thai period: an oval and serene face, arched eyebrows meeting the bridge of the nose, almond-shaped, half-closed eyes, slightly smiling lips, long ears, and hair styled in small, regular curls. The top is broken at the ushnisha, typical of ancient fragments from bronze votive statues. The patina is brown to dark green, with natural corrosion. Visible remnants of the internal core attest to an early lost-wax casting. The harmonious proportions and gentle features link this work to the Sukhothai style, or its northern equivalent, Lan Na, the apogee of bronze Buddhist statuary in Thailand. 16.5 cm (excluding base). Comparisons: – Musée Guimet, inv. MG 12578, Buddha head, bronze, Sukhothai, 14th century – Walters Art Museum, inv. 54.2817, Buddha head, Lan Na, 15th century. Private collection, Europe (acquired before 1970).