Buddhist Antiques, Asian and Indian Artifacts, Stone Shiva Head

Stone Carving of Serene Shiva

Shiva

This stone antique portrays the serene countenance of Shiva in a mood of peaceful benediction. The gaze is slightly downturned directed at the viewer - or alternately could be interpreted as being in open-eyed meditation. Such meditative practices of focusing on the tip of the nose still remain common in Thailand - where this piece originates. The hair is piled up into an elaborate jata mukuta, or crown of matted locks. They elegantly loop down from the apex of the crown. Hindu Thai pieces are rarer than Buddhist sculpture of the region.