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

Title

Buddha head and upper torso

8th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    Thailand
    Cultural origin
    Mon/Dvaravati style
    Period
    Dvaravati (Mon) period 500 - 1000 → Thailand
    Date
    8th century
    Media category
    Sculpture
    Materials used
    terracotta
    Dimensions
    25.9 x 20.9 x 8.0 cm
    Signature & date

    Not signed. Not dated.

    Credit
    Gift of the Estate of David Strachan 1995
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    209.1999
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

    Share

  • About

    Mon/Dvaravati terracottas were made on a limited scale owing to the technical difficulties of production. The face is broad with a wide nose, elongated ears and fleshy lips. The head, which was once surrounded by a halo, is covered in heavy stylised curls with the 'ushnisha' appearing as a hemispherical dome on the top of the head. Such terracottas have been found in a standing pose or in a European style seated posture - with legs hanging down, often with hands held in 'vitarka mudra', the gesture of teaching. The most extensive remains of these terracottas have been found at sites at Ku Bua in Central Thailand, south of Bangkok.

    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, 1999.

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    Thailand

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 1 exhibition

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 1 publication

  • Provenance

    David Jones' Art Gallery, Sydney, 15 Aug 1965-11 Sep 1965, Sydney/New South Wales/Australia, offered for sale, Thai and Khmer sculpture, 25 August- 11 September 1965, lot no. 12.

    David Strachan, Sep 1965, Australia, purchased from David Jones Gallery (art dealership).

    Veronica Rowan, Nov 1970-1999, Deakin/Canberra/Australian Capital Territory/Australia, by descent to Ms Rowan, sister of David Strachan. Gift of the Estate of David Strachan 1995 to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 1999.