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A striking 19th Century antique Indian bronze Buddha head sculpture, featuring a beautifully aged combination of warm gilt/gold-tone facial decoration and deep dark bronze patination.
The Buddha is portrayed with a calm and contemplative expression, with gently lowered eyes, finely outlined eyelids, elegantly arched eyebrows, a long defined nose and softly modeled lips. A distinctive decorative symbol appears at the center of the forehead, adding further character to the composition.
The face retains an especially attractive golden surface, showing natural variations in tone and areas of wear that give the sculpture a rich antique appearance. The warm gold contrasts beautifully with the darker bronze tones surrounding the hair, ears, neck and base.
The upper portion is particularly detailed. Numerous individually modeled tight curls cover the head and continue around the sides and across the entire reverse. They rise toward a pronounced ushnisha, which terminates in a pointed flame-like finial. The deeply textured curls have developed a dark, varied patina that emphasizes the sculptural detail.
Long elongated earlobes frame the face on both sides, contributing to the traditional Buddhist appearance. The neck flows into an integral flared pedestal-style base decorated with several simple horizontal bands, allowing the sculpture to stand independently for display.
The reverse is fully worked rather than left plain, with the textured curls continuing across the back of the head. The underside is open, showing the hollow construction of the sculpture.
The surface throughout displays attractive age-related character, including patination, tonal variation, rubbing and areas of wear. The remaining gold-tone finish across the face has an especially appealing aged appearance and works beautifully against the darker bronze surface.
This is a substantial piece for its compact dimensions, weighing approximately 974 grams (2.15 lb).
Approximate measurements:Height: 5 inches / 12.5–13 cmWeight: 974 g / 0.974 kg / 2.15 lb
An impressive piece of 19th Century Indian Buddhist art, suitable for a collection of antique Asian sculpture, Buddhist religious objects, historic metalwork or as a distinctive decorative display piece.
The buyer will receive the exact antique Buddha head shown in the photographs.
