A SANDSTONE HEAD OF A TIRTHANKARACentral India, 11th - 13th century. A large and finely carved head of a Jain Tirthankara presenting a tranquil expression comprised of almond shaped eyes with incised irises, curvilinear brows, a straight nose, full lips set in a gentle smile, and smooth facial contours. Provenance: From an Austrian private collection. Acquired from an important German private collection prior to 1990.Condition: Losses as seen on the images. Some wear and weathering, beautiful patina. Overall good and attractive preservation, especially when considering that this statue is almost 1000 years old. Modern base.Weight: 4.5 kilograms including the base.Dimensions: Height 27 cm with base and 21 cm without.Compare with a closely related head in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, Accession no. EAX.245.