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Head of Buddha

Southern Vietnam

5th–6th century

Not on view

This head of the Buddha signals the processes of reception and acculturation of Indian styles of religious imagery into Southeast Asia. It may be assigned to the earliest known period of Buddhist art production in the Funan territories. The styling follows southern India models, specifically the Amaravati-style of Andhra Pradesh. The pronounced hair curls and the subtle modulation of the upper eyelid follow Indian conventions, evoking introspection and detachment, as does the sweet countenance.

cat. no. 45

Head of Buddha, Sandstone, Southern Vietnam — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Head of Buddha

Date: 5th–6th century

Culture: Southern Vietnam

Medium: Sandstone

Dimensions: H. 9 7/16 in. (24 cm); W. 5 7/8 in. (15 cm); D. 6 5/16 in. (16 cm); Wt. 31lbs (14.1 kg)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by Musée National des Arts Asiatiques–Guimet, Paris (MG18225)

Accession Number: SL.2.2014.19.7

The Met

Asian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.