A HARIPUNJAYA STUCCO HEAD OF BUDDHA, THAILAND, 11TH-13TH CENTURY Expert's note: The prominently delineated features are characteristic of the Haripunjaya style and recall the Dvaravati school of sculpture. For another example, see Hiram W. Woodward, Jr., The Sacred Sculpture of Thailand: The Alexander B. Griswold Collection, The Walters Art Gallery, USA, 1997, page 130, fig. 132.

The head with a serene expression, ridged eyebrows, half-closed eyes, broad nose, pouting lips underlined by a fine mustache, elongated earlobes, the hair arranged in tight curls surmounted by an ushnisha. Note the unusually expressive molding and carving work overall.

Provenance: From an old French private collection. A notable collector from Belgium, acquired from the above via the French auction market.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, minor losses, nicks, cracks, signs of weathering and erosion, encrustations.
Scientific Analysis Report: An Expert Report from Antiques Analytics - Institute of Scientific Authenticity Testing, test report number AA 22-01041, dated 5 May 2022, written and signed by Dr. R. Neunteufel, analyzing the surface alterations after examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and element analysis with attached energy-dispersed X-ray micro element analyzer (EDX) concludes that the observed surface alterations are not in contradiction with the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies this lot.

Weight: 5.8 kg
Dimensions: Height 26 cm (the head), 39 cm (incl. mounting)

With a modern metal base. (2)

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby's New York, 19 March 2008, lot 257
Estimate: USD 8,000 or approx. EUR 10,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: Stucco Head of Buddha, Thailand, Haripunjaya
Expert remark: Compare the related facial features and hair.