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Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.

Head of Buddha

Western Thailand

second half of the 7th century

Not on view

This head belonged to a monumental Buddha, either standing or enthroned, now lost. Its survival underscores the fragmentary nature of the archaeological record of Dvaravati art. Its sophisticated modeling and highly finished surface provide a glimpse of the standards of artistry that were attained. Its size relates to the four renowned quartzite colossi of Nakhon Pathom (two are now installed within the grounds of Phra Pathom Chediat Nakhon Pathom; one is in the National Museum, Ayutthaya; and one is in the National Museum, Bangkok). This head is sculpted from a different stone and is thus from another series of monumental Buddhas, otherwise untraced.

cat. no. 116

Head of Buddha, Sandstone with traces of lacquer and gilding, Western Thailand — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Head of Buddha, Sandstone with traces of lacquer and gilding, Western Thailand

Head of Buddha, Sandstone with traces of lacquer and gilding, Western Thailand

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Head of Buddha

Date: second half of the 7th century

Culture: Western Thailand

Medium: Sandstone with traces of lacquer and gilding

Dimensions: H. 29 in. (73.7 cm); W. 15 in. (38.1 cm); D. 17 in. (43.2 cm); Wt. 331 lbs (150.1 kg)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by National Museum, Ratchaburi, Thailand (246/2533 [DV20])

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