A MAGNIFICENT BRONZE HEAD OF BUDDHA, SUKHOTHAI KINGDOMThailand, 15th-16th century. The serene face with arched eyebrows above heavy-lidded downcast eyes, a broad nose with incised nostrils, thin lips forming a benevolent smile, the chin heightened with incision work as well, flanked by long pendulous earlobes, the hair in tight curled spikes with a raised ushnisha.Provenance: From a noted Hungarian private collection.Condition: Good condition,mensurate with age, with expected old wear, small nicks here and there, obvious losses, some encrustations, minor casting irregularities, and a small aperture beside the ears. Naturally grown, almost black patina overall.Weight: 4,974 g (incl. stand)Dimensions: Height 24.5 cm (excl. stand), 35.7 cm (incl. stand)Mounted to a modern stand. (2)Expert’s note: Over the centuries, the bronze has naturally patinated into a dark green, almost black tone with an unctuous feel to the surface, creating an overall not only elegant, but also meditative appearance.The Sukothai kingdom lasted for just two centuries but was an extremely wealthy and powerful period in the history of Thailand. Artists produced some of the most sophisticated and original sculpture found in the history of Thailand. For example they were the first to depict Buddha in four different attitudes: standing, seated, walking and reclining. The influence of this period can be seen in Thai sculpture throughout subsequent centuries. Religious texts prescribed strict definitions as to how Buddha should be depicted and these rules were firmly adhered to while maintaining an inspiring and meditative fluidity of line.Auction resultparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Christie’s London, 11 May 2016, lot 94Price: GBP 20,000 or approx.EUR 29,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A fine bronze head of buddha, Thailand, Sukhothai period, 15th centuryExpert remark:pare the closely related facial features, particularly the eyes, brows, nose, and ears, and the remarkably fine lines. Note the size (33 cm).