Head of Buddha. Sandstone, Thailand, Lopburi style, 13th - 14th century. Dimensions: 29 x 15 x 16 cm. © Galerie Jacques Barrere

Provenance : Private French collection, acquired in the 1960’s.

This beautiful head of Buddha is emblematic of the Lopburi style which has a tendency to detach itself from the hieratic nature of the previous era, in favour of a certain realism and search for individuality. His face, with slender proportions, displays softer and finer traits highlighting the divinity’s serene expression and interior peace. The fleshy mouth hints to a discreet smile. The cheekbones are accentuated by small expressive lines at the corners of the lips. The almond-shaped eyes are half-closed as a sign of Buddha’s compassion for humanity, and the earlobes are elongated. The arches of the brows, in light relief, slope harmoniously towards the temples. The forehead, broad and even, is separated from the hair by a thick hem, falling to the sides of the temples. The hair is fashioned into tight braids is mounted into a bun, decorated with rows of lotus petals.