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Head

Late 8th-9th century

Thailand

Stucco

H. 7 1/4 x W. 4 3/4 x D. 2 in. (18.4 x 12.06 x 5.08 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.79

Provenance

John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY; acquired from M. J. C. Moreau-Gobard, Paris, 1962.

The Asia Society, New York, NY, bequest of John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY, 1979.

Licensing inquiries

Stucco heads represent a characteristic but relatively unstudied tradition of Mon art. The bejeweled headdress of this head indicates that it might be a male figure, perhaps of fairly high rank. As the back of this head is unfinished, it is possible that this sculpture was once attached to a building as architectural decoration. Similar works are known to have been used in friezes narrating the life of the Buddha and other Buddhist tales.