A MON-DVARAVATI STUCCO MASK OF A GROTESQUE MAN, 8th / 9th CENTURY
A MON-DVARAVATI STUCCO MASK OF A GROTESQUE MAN, 8th / 9th CENTURY
Stucco, firmly mounted to modern plexiglass stand
Thailand, Mon-Dvaravati period, 8th – 9th century
This little stucco artwork shows a male head with grotesque facial features, bulging eyes, curly hair and an outsized tongue.
The Dvaravati period lasted from around the 6th to the 11th century. Dvaravati refers to a culture, an art style, and a disparate conglomerate of principalities. Dvaravati itself was heavily influenced by Indian culture and played an important role in introducing Buddhism and particularly Buddhist art to the region. Stucco motifs on the religious monuments include garudas, makaras, and Nagas. Additionally, groups of musicians have been portrayed with their instruments, prisoners, females with their attendants, soldiers indicative of social life. Votive tablets have also been found, also molds for tin amulets, pottery, terracotta trays, and a bronze chandelier, earring, bells and cymbals.
Dimensions: HEIGHT 5.5 cm, LENGTH 8.5cm
Condition: Age-related good condition with encrustation and material loss as seen on the pictures
Provenance: Collection of an American gentleman