Southeast Asian Buddha Head | Crowned with Ushnisha | 18th–19th Century
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Southeast Asia (Likely Thailand or Cambodia)
Material: Metal with Black-Stained Wooden Base
Period: 18th–19th Century CE
Description
This finely rendered Buddha head presents a serene round face with a slender nose and gently arched eyebrows, the eyes half-closed in meditation. The elongated earlobes symbolize the Buddha’s renunciation of worldly wealth and his attainment of spiritual wisdom. Rising above the crown of the head is the ushnisha, the cranial protuberance representing enlightenment and spiritual awakening. The head is adorned with a decorative crown featuring detailed relief motifs, reflecting artistic traditions found in Southeast Asian Buddhist sculpture. The piece is mounted on a later black-stained wooden base that enhances both stability and visual presentation.
Features
- Serene meditative expression with half-closed eyes
- Elongated earlobes symbolizing renunciation of worldly wealth
- Ushnisha representing spiritual enlightenment
- Crown with detailed relief motifs associated with Southeast Asian Buddhist iconography
- Mounted on a black-stained base for stable display
Cultural Significance
Buddha heads hold deep symbolic meaning in Buddhist art, representing the enlightened state of the Buddha and serving as focal points for meditation and devotion. Iconographic elements such as the ushnisha, elongated ears, and tranquil facial expression convey spiritual wisdom and detachment from worldly concerns. Throughout Southeast Asia, such representations were created for temples, shrines, and private devotional settings, embodying ideals of serenity, compassion, and transcendence central to Buddhist philosophy.
Condition
The sculpture remains in excellent condition with well-preserved facial features and decorative crown details. Light surface wear consistent with age is present, while the later wooden base provides secure support and display.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 3 in
Width: 2 in
Depth: 2 in
Age (Approximate)
125–325 years old
Learn More
Study the Iconography and Meaning of the Ushnisha in Buddhist Art
Explore Our Collection of Buddha Figures and Buddhist Artifacts
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Southeast Asia (Likely Thailand or Cambodia)
Material: Metal with Black-Stained Wooden Base
Period: 18th–19th Century CE
Description
This finely rendered Buddha head presents a serene round face with a slender nose and gently arched eyebrows, the eyes half-closed in meditation. The elongated earlobes symbolize the Buddha’s renunciation of worldly wealth and his attainment of spiritual wisdom. Rising above the crown of the head is the ushnisha, the cranial protuberance representing enlightenment and spiritual awakening. The head is adorned with a decorative crown featuring detailed relief motifs, reflecting artistic traditions found in Southeast Asian Buddhist sculpture. The piece is mounted on a later black-stained wooden base that enhances both stability and visual presentation.
Features
- Serene meditative expression with half-closed eyes
- Elongated earlobes symbolizing renunciation of worldly wealth
- Ushnisha representing spiritual enlightenment
- Crown with detailed relief motifs associated with Southeast Asian Buddhist iconography
- Mounted on a black-stained base for stable display
Cultural Significance
Buddha heads hold deep symbolic meaning in Buddhist art, representing the enlightened state of the Buddha and serving as focal points for meditation and devotion. Iconographic elements such as the ushnisha, elongated ears, and tranquil facial expression convey spiritual wisdom and detachment from worldly concerns. Throughout Southeast Asia, such representations were created for temples, shrines, and private devotional settings, embodying ideals of serenity, compassion, and transcendence central to Buddhist philosophy.
Condition
The sculpture remains in excellent condition with well-preserved facial features and decorative crown details. Light surface wear consistent with age is present, while the later wooden base provides secure support and display.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 3 in
Width: 2 in
Depth: 2 in
Age (Approximate)
125–325 years old
Learn More
Study the Iconography and Meaning of the Ushnisha in Buddhist Art
Explore Our Collection of Buddha Figures and Buddhist Artifacts
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