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

Item id: 470

This is a very unusual piece, and one that mystified me for a long time. It looks to be late Pyu or Early Mon, it is thickly cast of an ancient bronze with traces of very early lacquer and gilding. It has the small ball often found in early pieces from southern Burma. The (exquisite) face was a mystery, as it looked nothing like those found on early Burmese Buddhas: I finally realized that at some point, probably in the early 20th century, the face was masterfully recarved. The patina has had time to even out, and the result is a most striking Buddha. This was not done to deceive, but as a way of showing respect for this ancient Buddha. I've never seen a piece quite like it. The asking price reflects what just the body of such an early piece might go for without a head. He sits 5 and 5/8 inches tall and weighs over 23 ounces, which is a very good size fir such an ancient piece.