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Head of Meditating Buddha

9th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
The Buddha in meditation was a favored subject in Mon Buddhist art. This fragment of a Buddha head is among the most beautiful to have survived. In all probability, this head belonged to a lifesize terracotta relief. The eyes appear closed, suggestive of deep meditation; the Dvaravati style is evident in the joined eyebrow, full lower lip, and bulbous treatment of the curls. Terracotta and stucco were favored materials for sculpting the narrative reliefs along the pradaksina path, which devotees followed in circumambulating the Buddha relics in each stupa.

cat. no. 118

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Head of Meditating Buddha
  • Date: 9th century
  • Culture: Central Thailand
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: H. 6 11/16 in. (17 cm); W. 5 7/8 in. (15 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Lent by National Museum, Bangkok (361/2511)
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art