Description

This standing Buddha, attributed to the Mon style of central Thailand (8th‒9th century), wears a monastic robe in the “wet garment” style influenced by post-Gupta art. Though damaged, the sculpture shows no traces of lacquer, gilding, or paint. Its origin remains uncertain, as many Buddhist sculptures were relocated over time. However, unusual features—such as counterclockwise curls, a rounded face, broad nose, four neck lines, its small size, and lack of attachment holes for the hands—raise questions about its authenticity.

Provenance

Probably with Harry Shupak, Gallery Asian, Honolulu, by Feb. 23, 1971; sold to James W. Alsdorf (1913–1990) and Marilynn B. Alsdorf (1925–2019), Winnetka, IL, Feb. 23, 1971 [invoice from Harry Shupak, Feb. 23, 1971; copy in curatorial object file]; by descent to Marilynn B. Alsdorf, Chicago, IL, 1990 [on long-term loan at the Art Institute of Chicago, Sept. 17, 1997; publicly promised as a gift to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1997; signed a promised gift agreement for the work, Mar. 11, 2002]; given to the Art Institute of Chicago, Nov. 15, 2016.