Name/Title
Thai Head of BuddhaEntry/Object ID
MK_0136Description
This stucco head of Buddha hails from Ayutthaya kingdom, a large empire that encompassed an area of what is now northern Thailand, ruled from its seat of power in the capital city of Ayutthaya from 1351 to 1767. It is molded in typical Ayutthaya style - with tightly curled hair over a meditative, downcast face and snail-shell canonical headdress.
Unearthed by workmen building the Yan-hee dam in northern Thailand, the damaged full figure of this 700-year-old stucco Buddha was discovered among the ruins of an ancient temple. The head embodies the serene introspection and gentle compassion characteristic of Ayutthaya Buddha statuary, with its tranquil countenance reflecting the inner quietude achieved through meditation.
This treasured piece has been in the Mauna Kea's collection since 1965, when Laurance Rockefeller developed the hotel. Longtime guests may remember this piece in its original, unadorned stucco state. However, traces of original gilding were found, leading to a careful restoration and regilding—returning the statue to what is believed to be its true historic appearance. Gilding was a common practice in Ayutthaya art, symbolizing both spiritual purity and the kingdom's cultural wealth.Made/Created
Time Period
17th CenturyPlace
Country
ThailandContinent
AsiaLocation
* Untyped Location
4th Floor Kohala EndFloor
4th FloorBuilding
Beach WingRoom
Kamani RoomBuilding
HBR Main TowerRoom
Lloyd Sexton Gallery (LSG)Floor
Promenade LevelBuilding
Main TowerFloor
6th FloorBuilding
Main Tower