Head of the Buddha

7th–8th century

Not on view

This head of the Buddha is distinguished by the meditative elegance associated with Buddhist art of the Dvaravati kingdom, named after numismatic evidence that identifies a polity of that name. The aesthetic is unique to this region, and is best understood as emerging from the pan-Asian style of Gupta India, centered at Sarnath, northern India. Mon-Dvaravati Buddhist culture prospered around a network of moated urban settlements (Thai muang) that reflected the prosperity of Buddhist Thailand at this time and demonstrate that this region had connections that extended to India and beyond.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Head of the Buddha
Date: 7th–8th century
Culture: Thailand, Mon-Dvaravati
Medium: Stone
Dimensions: H. 14 in. (35.6 cm); W. 7 in. (17.8 cm); D. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchase, Florence and Herbert Irving Gift, by exchange and Gift of Mrs. Rose F. Magnin, in memory of her husband, E. John Magnin, by exchange, 2025
Object Number: 2025.294
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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