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3. Buddha head Thailand End of the 16th century. Ayutthaya kingdom (1350-1767) Gilded bronze H. 29 cm or 11 1/2 in |
The Thai art of the Ayutthaya period, among an important production of average quality, holds masterpieces like this Buddha head. The face immortalizes the Sukhothai style features of the Kamphaeng Phet workshops. Thus, the brow lines, in perfect semi-circles, extend to the nose bridge. Hair is handled by small juxtaposed ringlets. A flame, now disappeared, graced the usnisa on the top of the head. Beauty folds on the nek are perfectly represented. However, we note many changes, compared with purely Sukothai pieces. The face is thinner and less elongated; the nose is less aquiline; the lips are less plump. The mouth corners squeeze out a smile light and inscrutable at the same time. All these details confer on the head an extremely ornemental appearance, which is enhanced by a beautiful gilt applied to a bottom of red lacquer. Also the eyes, formerly inlaid with mother-of-pearl and gemstone, gave to the Buddha a hypnotic presence in the dim light of a sanctuary. Provenance: Private collection, Turin, since the 1980s. |