Early medieval Sandstone Carving of a male face ( probably Buddha )

Red sandstone high relief carving of a male face, probably depicting Buddha, gazing slightly downward, chubby cheeks and a small mouth with a slight smile, as if meditating, striated hairdo. Outer carved beaded raised border. Overall general surface weathering and loss to the left side of the outer border edge, otherwise intact. Mounted on a black custom made old metal base. (which can be easily removed) Timeperiod: Ca. 10th to 12th century AD Dimensions: 26 cm high - 24 cm wide (and very heavy…) Provenance: \tpurchased at a US auction. Estate of Jack Faxon, Birmingham, MI & NYC. Michigan State Senator, 1971-1985. Creator of the Michigan Council for the Arts. Sold at a US auction for the benefit of the Smithsonian Institution See picture from the auction catalogue. Included is a Certificate of Authenticity from the auctionhouse. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.