A BAYON STYLE LIFESIZE HEAD OF BUDDHA LATE 12TH CT

A BAYON STYLE LIFESIZE HEAD OF BUDDHA, LATE 12TH TO EARLY 13TH CENTURY
Khmer Empire, 1180-1230. The sandstone meticulously carved, the face showing a serene expression with full lips and a gentle smile, stylistically reminiscent of the 'face towers' of the Bayon temple complex.

Provenance: Collection of Dr. Pierre Bernades, a French physician. By repute acquired ca. 1980 in the local French market. A copy of a French export certificate for the piece as well as a copy of a 'Certificat D'Authenticite' by Michel Cohen, Paris, France, dated 10 October 2001, confirming the authenticity and dating of this piece, and including a valuation of FFR 75,000,- accompany this lot.
Condition: Excellent condition considering the age of this piece with wear, minor losses around the ears and hair, and some nicks around the cheek and forehead. Fine, naturally grown patina.

Weight: 11.1 kg
Dimensions: Height 29.5 cm (the head) and 39.5 cm (incl. base)

The nose is flat while the almond-shaped eyes are half-closed and surmounted by incised eyebrows. The headdress with its adjoining curls is distinctively and precisely framing the face and surmounted by a conical makuta.

Literature comparison: Compare with a similar but slightly larger head, dated to the 11th century, Baphuon style, in the collection of RMN Grand Palais in Paris, inventory number MG18051.

Auction result comparison: Compare with a related head sold by Christie's Paris in Art d'Asie on 10 June 2009, lot 326, for EUR €18,750 incl. buyer's premium.