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Antique Phnom Da Style Mounted Stone Khmer Buddha Head - 55cm/22" Tall
Measures - (Height) 55cm/22"
An early 7th century Phnom Da style pre-Angkor Khmer stone Buddha head.
The Phnom Da period, also known as the Funan period, is a lesser-known but pivotal epoch in the history of the Khmer civilization. Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, the Khmer Empire flourished during various periods, each marked by its unique cultural, architectural, and political achievements.
The Phnom Da period, situated between the Chenla and Angkor eras, serves as a bridge between these more renowned epochs.
The architecture of the Phnom Da period is less grandiose and monumental compared to the Angkor period that followed. Nevertheless, it showcased the early Khmer's proficiency. Stone religious sculptures were skilfully carved.
This Phnom Da Buddha embodies authority with his iconic downcast gaze and serene face. The general silhouette is heavier. The carving is beautiful as you can see in the fine details of the face. Each detail is rendered perfectly. The features suggest the prana, or inner breath, that signifies spiritual strength.
The Buddha is carved from stone and has a peaceful countenance with downcast introspective eyes and a firm brow. The inner rims of the ears are scalloped, with his earlobes stretched long from a youth spent as a prince wearing heavy gold earrings.
The hair is depicted in circles of tight curls that decrease in size toward the ushnisha.
The broad face, treatment of the hair curls and linear eyebrows have affinities with Buddhist imagery from the seventh-century Mon regions of neighbouring Thailand, suggesting a shared visual repertoire. Although, the style resembles Dvaravati images carved in Thailand, the present Buddha is more sensuous than most Dvaravati Buddhas. The Buddha here is the result of an appealing blend of Gupta, Dvaravati and Khmer characteristics.
The carving and patina is simply beautiful as you can see in the fine details of the face. Each detail is rendered perfectly. The distinctive patina of the piece is also particularly delightful.
The Buddha head is mounted on a wood base (later).
To aid with safe shipping your Buddha will be wood crated before shipping. There is no additional cost for this packing, crating and shipping service.
Provenance: Ex- private US Collection. All items are guaranteed to be as described. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases upon request.
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The majority of orders will be shipped with DHL. This is a secure, express and fully tracked service.
Items less than 2Kg we typically ship using Royal Mail.
Once we receive your order we try to ship all orders the same or next working day.
Large and/or fragile pieces requiring palletising, specialist crating and/or extra packaging may take a little longer. Palletised shipments will be delivered curbside.
All orders over 35 GBP will be shipped free of charge.
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We genuinely hope that all purchases delight.
However, if they do not, regardless of reason, we will refund all orders upon receipt of the unwanted item. Just notify us within 14 days of receiving your order that you wish to make a return and send the piece back to us with 30 days of delivery.
