Antique Burmese Gilt Wood Buddha Head Sculpture on Stand

An antique carved wood buddha head displayed on a custom stand circa 19th century. The statue was finely sculpted with a serene facial expression with meditative downcast eyes and detailed hair curls. The surface was gilt in gold leaf and exhibits exquisite wear and patina. The usnisa (the topknot on the head of the buddha) us of the form of a bell shape pagoda, a characteristic style from Northern Myanmar (Burma), known as the "Shan-style". Lacquered and gilt on wood was a common local medium as well as carved marble. The usnisa was detached from the head instead of fixed as traditionally intended. The realistic face was finely carved. His downcast eyes, raised brows, tight hair curls and a hint of smile on the corner of the mouth are all iconic of the local Buddhism style.
The head shows a wonderful, aged patina and irregular lower edge as a fragment. It is displayed on a custom made double-tired base. The height of the Buddha head only is 12" tall.