Offered in this lot is a Rare Thai Buddha Stone Head Mon Dvaravati Style. Powerfully carved, the ovoid face with a prominent, ridged brow, heavy-lidded and incised eyes, broad nose above full bow-shaped lips, the head flanked by elongated ears and surmounted by an ushnisha which indicates the wisdom of the Buddha, covered with snailshell curls, and an urna, a dot on his forehead that again stresses the great wisdom of the Buddha and a third eye to see unity. The Dvaravati statues reflect characteristics of the Mon people, namely broad faces and noses, full lips and joined eyebrow arches. Mon, also spelled Mun, Burmese Talaing, refers to the indigenous peoples living in the eastern delta region of Myanmar (Burma) and in west-central Thailand. Dvaravati, ancient kingdom of Southeast Asia that flourished from the 6th to the late 11th century. It was the first Mon kingdom established in what is now Thailand and played an important role as a propagator of Indian culture. Dvaravati was historically important as a transmitter of Indian culture. Having had early commercial and cultural contact with India, the Mon assumed the role of disseminators of the main features of Indian culture. They were the most receptive of Southeast Asian peoples to Indian art and literature. Indian influence was apparent in matters of sculpture. The local stone was tough and difficult to work with, leading artists to prefer thick, strong features over softness and subtlety. Their style was bold, self-assured, recognizable, and highly influential on subsequent Thai sculpture and artistic production throughout Southeast Asia. This stone head is in amazingly preserved condition, facial features clearly reflect the characteristics of the Mon Dvaravati style. Slight chipping noted on base. Measures 3.25"H x 2.25"diameter, weight 10oz approx.