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

Item id: 9730

Very fine 14th Century Thai Sukhothai Buddha head, a classic example from the golden age of Thai sculpture. Near life-size at 8 inches tall (and 12.25 inches on its custom base), this is the high-end type typically produced in royal foundries. As is characteristic of major Sukhothai works, the head was constructed from multiple expertly cast components—the top and back sections, as well as the left ear, were made separately, while the finial and upper body elements would also have been individually cast and joined. The entire sculpture was then fully lacquered and gilded, concealing all joinery.



Traces of the original inlaid eyes remain, adding to the presence and authenticity of the piece. This is a superb and elegant example from one of the most celebrated moments in Southeast Asian art history.



The Buddha head is accompanied by a Sotheby’s appraisal dated June 21, 2000, in which Sotheby’s New York offered this very piece in an upcoming auction with an estimated value of $4,000–6,000 (25 years ago). A photo of the Sotheby’s letter is included with the listing.