Country Group:

Item id: 9532

Exceptional Crystal Sukhothai Buddha, 15th–16th Century Style (Possibly Period). This remarkable crystal Sukhothai Buddha is unlike any example I have encountered. Carved in the classic 15th–16th century style, it may be a period piece, though it could date as late as the 19th century—a time when this style experienced a strong revival in Thailand. The surface characteristics rule out any later date. In all my years collecting within this niche, I have seen only one other crystal Buddha of comparable refinement.



The figure is extraordinarily large for a crystal carving of this type. The quartz itself shows more internal fracturing than typically used for Buddha images, yet the sculptor achieved an extraordinary sense of plasticity and rounded volume, reminiscent of the finest wax- or sand-cast bronzes. The face is beautifully rendered, serene and balanced. There is minor chipping along the perimeter of the base, but the figure itself shows no significant losses or damage. Traces suggest it was once covered in gilding, which likely protected it over the centuries. When first unpacked, the piece was heavily soiled—so much so that it was difficult to recognize it as crystal. The dirt layer proved fragile and superficial; once lightly wiped, the sculpture revealed the luminous quality it now exhibits.



The Buddha measures 9 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide (quartz only, excluding the custom museum-style base). The only loss is the missing finial (see photo). A highly unusual and finely carved crystal Sukhothai Buddha—remarkable both for its size and for the sculptural softness achieved in such a challenging medium.