Head of Buddha

second half of the 7th 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.

This head belonged to a monumental Buddha, either standing or enthroned, now lost. Its survival underscores the fragmentary nature of the archaeological record of Dvaravati art. Its sophisticated modeling and highly finished surface provide a glimpse of the standards of artistry that were attained. Its size relates to the four renowned quartzite colossi of Nakhon Pathom (two are now installed within the grounds of Phra Pathom Chediat Nakhon Pathom; one is in the National Museum, Ayutthaya; and one is in the National Museum, Bangkok). This head is sculpted from a different stone and is thus from another series of monumental Buddhas, otherwise untraced.

cat. no. 116

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Head of Buddha
Date: second half of the 7th century
Culture: Western Thailand
Medium: Sandstone with traces of lacquer and gilding
Dimensions: H. 29 in. (73.7 cm); W. 15 in. (38.1 cm); D. 17 in. (43.2 cm); Wt. 331 lbs (150.1 kg)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Lent by National Museum, Ratchaburi, Thailand (246/2533 [DV20])
Curatorial Department: Asian Art