Head of Buddha

Place of ManufactureAsia

MediumMaterial: lacquer

DimensionsOverall: 21.7 x 17.5 cm

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ART

Credit LineEdith Low-Beer Collection

Object number1991.016.001

DescriptionDuring the Ayuthya period, Buddha was often depicted wearing royal adornments. It seems surprising that the Buddha, who renounced the adornments and regalia of his princely life in favour of the mean dress of a mendicant monk, a form of dress that he imposed on the monastic community as a whole, should ever be represented wearing the finery of a monarch.

Perhaps the only explanation could be that because of his great victory over Mara the Tempter, he was imagined as the world ruler, and thus was entitled to wear such adornments. This sculpture has some typical features of the Ayuthya period such as the broad face, strong chin, large month, slightly arched eyebrows, small curled knobby hair, a band over forehead with fleuron decoration etc.
Colour: gold;black

Status

Not on view