We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Head of Buddha

14th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

Alternate image of Head of Buddha by

  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    Ayutthaya → Thailand
    Period
    Ayutthaya period 1350 - 1767 → Thailand
    Date
    14th century
    Media category
    Sculpture
    Materials used
    sandstone with traces of lacquer
    Dimensions
    60.4 x 44.0 x 40.5 cm object; 83.0 x 44.0 x 40.5 cm object with stand
    Signature & date

    Not signed. Not dated.

    Credit
    Gift of Mr F. Storch 2000
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    136.2000
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

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  • About

    This exceptionally large head, once glowing with a coating of gold lacquer, belonged to a figure at least 15 metres high. This piece dates stylistically to the Ayuthaya period, when Buddha images drew on the Sukhothai heritage but exaggerated features to create a face distinguished by its oval shape, arched eyebrows and pointed nose. Other features of the Ayuthaya style are the small hair curls and the clear band separating the forehead from the head.

    The Asian Collections, AGNSW, 2003, pg.325.

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 1 exhibition

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 2 publications