Head of Buddha

Sukhothai, 14c
National Museum, Bangkok

The head is distinctly wedge-shaped, and the forehead lacks an urna. Above the ushnisha, a flame-like projection with centered jewel symbolizes the Buddha's transcendent wisdom. Great arching eyebrows descend precipitously onto the bridge of the nose, their predominent arc balanced artistically by fluttering curves of eyes and mouth. Most art historians consider the Sukhothai style, with its refined and elegent lines, to be the acme of Thai sculpture. As with so much of southeast Asian art, its intent is to portray a state of spiritual purity, rather than a realistic representation of the Buddha's human form.