Antique Southeast Asian Bronze Buddha Shakyamuni Head, 15th-16th Century

拍品描述

Dimensions: Buddha head 28 cm (11.02 inches) high, total height 50 cm (19.69 inches) including custom metal display stand. An ancient Southeast Asian Buddhist bronze sculpture from the 15th-16th centuries. Condition and Provenance: This Buddha head is cast in solid bronze with an original deep black patina covered with fine, naturally aged cracks, without large areas of peeling or deep cracks. The spiraled topknot is full and neatly arranged; the ushnisha (cranial protuberance) on the top of the head is complete and rounded; the long earlobes are intact; all facial features are well preserved, with sharp, clear lines sculpted on the eyelids, lips, and forehead. Only the edges of the stand show natural signs of aging and have not undergone any later restoration, polishing, or artificial finishing. It comes with a modern custom matte black metal display stand and is in perfect condition. This Buddha head was previously traded in an antique gallery in Bangkok and acquired in 2018 by a private Buddhist art collector in San Francisco, California. California, Bangkok, and Paris are key markets for antique Buddhist sculptures globally. Description: This 15th-16th century bronze head of Shakyamuni Buddha is an outstanding example of classical Buddhist sculpture in Southeast Asia, perfectly embodying the iconic features of ancient Buddhist statues from the region. The crown is adorned with tightly coiled spirals of hair, each strand distinct and clearly textured, culminating in a full, rounded topknot symbolizing the Buddha's supreme enlightenment. The central dot on the forehead represents the sacred third eye. The eyes are slightly downturned, with delicately sculpted eyelids conveying a profound and serene compassion in meditation. The Buddha's nose is full and straight, with soft, delicate lips and slightly upturned corners. The long earlobes connect seamlessly with the jawline, one of the thirty-two auspicious features of the Buddha. Cast in heavy bronze, the Buddha's face possesses a soft, rounded contour, conveying both solemnity and approachability. The entire surface retains its untouched, ancient dark patina, naturally oxidized over centuries, resulting in a rich, silky texture. The surface is covered with fine, natural cracks, showing no signs of modern artificial aging. The broken neck reveals signs of ancient wear and weathering, confirming that this fragment originated from a complete ancient Buddha statue. The statue rests on a simple, matte black metal base, perfectly highlighting the serene and dignified aura of the head, making it an ideal choice for display or veneration in a home or study. Large, complete bronze Buddha heads from ancient Southeast Asia are extremely rare on the market today. Collections with intact facial features, preserved original patina, and undamaged sculptural beauty are highly sought after. Such artifacts are important reference materials for the academic study of Southeast Asian Buddhist iconography and ancient bronze casting techniques, and have long attracted the keen interest of seasoned Western Buddhist art collectors and Asian art museums worldwide.

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