Country Group: South and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam)

Item id: 10765

This very early bronze Buddha head, dating to the 9th or 10th century, is attributable to either Thai or pre-Khmer Cambodian production and represents a rare and sensitive example of early Southeast Asian Buddhist sculpture. The modeling of the face displays remarkable finesse for such an early period, with softly articulated features, a calm inward gaze, and a quiet spiritual authority that speaks to the sophistication of the sculptor. The proportions suggest the head originally belonged to a standing figure, likely measuring approximately twelve to fifteen inches in height.

The surface is distinguished by a strong burial patina, visible across the bronze and particularly pronounced in the textured areas of the hair and contours of the face. This naturally developed patina contributes greatly to the sculpture’s presence and authenticity, reinforcing its considerable age and archaeological character. The head is notably large and heavy for a bronze of this early date, further underscoring its importance and rarity.

Mounted on a custom base for stability and display, the piece carries a strong personal provenance, having remained in the same collection since 1987, where it marked the beginning of a serious and focused collecting journey. It is a compelling and historically significant work, well suited to collectors of early Buddhist art, Khmer-related material, or ancient Southeast Asian bronzes.

The bronze head measures approximately 3.75 inches in height, 2.25 inches in width, and 2.25 inches in depth, and is presented on a custom base.