This impressive head must have originally come from an almost life-sized figure. The art of the workshop is evident in the sense of serenity and the inward-looking nature of the eyes, sunk as they are in deep meditation.

Apart from the sense of calm and the flawless features, of immediate note is the elaborate crown. Its style suggests a Nepalese origin for the piece as it has many features normally found in early Nepalese pieces. These are;
-a solar disc supported by a floral support almost eclipsing the hair chignon.

-flowers located above the ears, behind which are cockades, possibly modelled on the pativ scarves, a symbol of early Iranian royalty which found its way into Indian and Nepalese art.

Also of note is the attractive sense of balance between the eyes, the nose and the sensuous mouth. In terms of ratio, they occupy a smaller proportion of the facial area than do the same features in later images from Nepal, hence strengthening the case for a 14th cent. date.
The lozenge shaped "third-eye" also strongly suggests an Nepalese origin for the piece.

Height 25.5cm