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Southeast Asia, Burma, modern day Myanmar, Mandalay period, ca. 19th century CE. A life-sized head of a very serene Buddha, made from a creamy white marble that, based on other known examples from the same time, likely once had black, red, and gold pigmentation. The tranquil face is comprised of downturned eyes, dramatically arched eyebrows which curl upwards to a point along the outer edges, a broad nose with flared nostrils, large ears with elongated earlobes, a smooth brow, and a large ushnisha atop the head. The small mouth is curved upwards in a sly smile. In Burma, marble is called “sagyin,” quarried in a mountain range north of Mandalay. This large example is a beautiful evocation of the peacefulness of the Buddha, with its creamy tones inspiring meditation. Size: 8.8″ W x 13.8″ H (22.4 cm x 35.1 cm); 22.95″ H (58.3 cm) on included custom stand.
Condition: Losses below neck and top of ushnisha also lost. Surface wear and minor abrasions commensurate with age, losses to areas of neckline and nearly all pigmentation. Light earthen deposits throughout. Two old inventory stickers on base.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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