Buddha. India, probably 19th century. Carved stone.

Buddha. India, probably 19th century.
Carved stone.
Measurements: 14 x 10 cm.
Carved stone head, probably from India due to its physical and stylistic characteristics. Each of its attributes explicitly identifies Sidharta Gautama: the prolonged earlobes symbolise wisdom as well as his aristocratic class origin. The hairstyle, topped with a bun, alludes in its form to a pagoda or temple. Its symmetrical, stylised features convey serenity and asceticism. The smoothness of the bronze flesh tones contrasts with the roughness of the hairstyle. Each of these features in the representation of the Buddha is called "lakshanas". The elongated earlobes allude to the large earrings worn by members of the upper classes in India at the time of Sakyamuni, and represent the concepts of greatness, nobility and wisdom.