Indonesian Stone Bust of Buddha

Eyes nearly closed, curls in tight spirals, and the composure of very dark stone.

This bust of Buddha comes from Indonesia and dates to the 20th century. It is river stone. Long earlobes and the raised dot on the brow are among the traditional signs of a Buddha, carried through Buddhist art across Asia. Rows of snail-shell curls climb to a tall pointed crown. The arched brows run in one clean line into the nose, and the lips hold the slightest smile. A robe crosses one shoulder in shallow ribs before the stone ends in a rough edge. Thirty-four inches high and 24 wide.

He does not look up. He does not need to.