Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Khmer Empire (Angkor culture), ca. late 12th to early 13th century CE. A handsome, well-preserved, warm-toned sandstone head of Buddha. Buddha's face is serene, with a naturalistic and warm expression; he wears long earrings and has a crown topped by a detailed ushnisha, symbol of his enlightenment. Khmer art moved away from Indian styles in the 7th century CE to encompass its own framework; one example of this seen here is that this head is carved in the round, rather than as a relief on a stela, which was common with Indian and Javanese Hindu and Buddhist sculptures that were previously influencing Cambodian art. From this, we can infer that Khmer sculptors would have desired their artwork to be viewed from all sides, and thus placed in the center of temples rather than against a wall. While this artwork was religious - priests supervised its execution - its realism is unmistakable. Size: 3.7" W x 6.45" H (9.4 cm x 16.4 cm); 10.25" H (26 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private S.S. collection, Los Angeles, California, USA
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#143804
Condition
Head is a fragment from a larger statue. Chip from one earring, side of nose, and top of head; otherwise very nicely preserved with plenty of detail remaining, especially on the earring and headdress.