Buddha head
Made from a volcanic stone. South EastAsia..over 100yrs old. No damage.. Hand cast. Was passed on to me by my late Father who met the female archeologist,in the 60s in Asia.. The archeologist had an exhibition here in N.Z some years back ,of her "lifes work" , which I understand my father attended, the woman was then in her 80s, sorry I do not know her name. This item was passed to me through a family friend on his behalf. I wouldnt be selling it ,but my health is in jeopardy and I need treatment . I hope this will help fit the bill. Last year I took it into Webbs auction house. They clarified it was over 100 years old and wanted to present it through an upcoming exhibition and auction,at a start price of 3000 dollars which I declined and withdrew it.. Hence im not wanting it properly authenticated and will sell through your company accordingly.
13 wide/ 17cm length..comes with plinth.
Inherited
Yes
Hello, this item is a sculpted Buddha head, likely produced in Southeast Asia, probably Indonesia or Thailand, and dating to the 20th century rather than being an ancient or archaeological piece. The material appears to be cast stone or composite rather than true volcanic stone, with a surface that has been artificially darkened to simulate age. The stylization of the hair curls, the facial proportions, and the treatment of the urna and ears are relatively simplified and lack the refinement seen in genuinely old examples from the 18th century or earlier. The texture shows uniform wear and surface pitting consistent with casting and later patination rather than natural aging over centuries. The break at the neck and the standalone head format are also common in decorative export pieces made for the Western market during the mid to late 20th century.
From a market perspective, these decorative Buddha heads are widely collected but do not reach high values unless clearly attributable to a historic period or workshop. The story provided and prior auction interest suggest some appeal, but the physical characteristics do not support a valuation in the thousands. Comparable pieces typically sell in the decorative arts market rather than the antiquities category. The fair market value is approximately $150 to $400 USD.
