Three-Panel, Large (3 by 3.5 Feet) and Impressive Buddha Head Panel, Gold Finish

Details

Description

Offering a serene, mid-20th-century carved Buddha head panel, most likely inspired by an older Sukhothai model (the smooth, idealized contours … Read more Offering a serene, mid-20th-century carved Buddha head panel, most likely inspired by an older Sukhothai model (the smooth, idealized contours and the calm half-closed eyes fit this idiom).

This depiction of the Buddha is large, measuring approximately 35 ½ inches wide and 39 ½ tall, about 2 inches thick. It’s fashioned from three joined planks of carved hardwood, as suggested by its approximately 45 pounds of weight.

The half-closed eyes, elongated earlobes, and the tightly coiled curls of hair are all canonical Buddhist symbols.

The arched eyebrows and downcast gaze evoke calm enlightenment. The slight smile, inner peace. The elongated ears symbolize renunciation, achieved at the casting off of jewelry (material wealth).

The gilded surface (probably gold pigment in this instance, rather than gold leaf, applied over jesso) symbolizes divinity, purity, and enlightenment.

Given is large size, this panel was probably intended as a decorative wall relief for a meditation or temple space, or as an artisanal decorative piece for export or domestic devotion.

This piece is dated on the back, the numbers stamped into each of the three planks: 4/2/51 (presumably 1951).

Some small damages to the gold finish have occurred; these have been touched up with gold leaf paint as well as possible (see the photos), but the gold leaf paint available shows more coppery and darker than the original paint. Overall in very good condition as evidenced by the photographs. See less