A MONUMENTAL GILT DRY LACQUER HEAD OF BUDDHA, AVA STYLE, BURMA, 17TH-18TH CENTURY
The serene face with heavy-lidded eyes neatly inlaid with mother-of-pearl, below gently arched eyebrows, a broad nose, full lips forming a calm smile, flanked by elongated earlobes. The hair arranged in tight curls surmounted by an ushnisha and a massive ketumala.


Provenance:
French trade, by repute acquired from a private estate in the Northeast of France.

Condition:
Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear to gilt, some losses, small nicks here and there. The lacquer coating was probably renewed at some point during the first half of the 20th century, likely before the head was brought to France.

Weight: 2,205 g (excl. stand)
Dimensions: Height 40.5 cm (the head) and 53 cm (incl. stand)

With an associated wood stand. (2)


Auction result comparison:

Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s Amsterdam, 10 December 2002, lot 141
Price: EUR 7,170 or approx.
EUR 11,500
adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Burmese, Ava style, red lacquered stone head of Buddha Shakyamuni, 17th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject and similar modeling. Note the different material and larger size (56 cm).


Auction result comparison:

Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s Amsterdam, 31 October 2006, lot 541
Price: EUR 5,040 or approx.
EUR 7,500
adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Burmese, Ava style, brownish lacquered stone head of Buddha Shakyamuni, 17th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject and similar modeling. Note the different material and related size (38 cm).