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Head of a Buddha image
Head of a Buddha image

Head of a Buddha image

Place of OriginBihar state, India
Dateapprox. 900-1100
MaterialsBrass with traces of inlaid copper and gilding
DimensionsH. 15 3/4 in x W. 11 1/2 in x D. 8 1/2 in, H. 40.0 cm x W. 29.2 cm x D. 21.6 cm
Credit LineAcquisition in memory of Stuart Harvey made possible by Forrest Mortimer with assistance from friends of Mr. Harvey's
Object number2001.30
DepartmentSouth Asian Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
On view
LocationGallery 2
More Information

The Buddha image from which this head came would have been between four and six feet (1.2 and 1.8 meters) tall, depending on whether the figure was seated or standing. This image would have been one of the largest bronze sculptures known from premodern India.

Because of the difficulty and cost of casting such a large bronze, this image would seem likely to have held a prominent position in a major Buddhist monastery.

No other fragments from this image are known. It is unclear how and where this head survived if the rest of the figure was completely destroyed.