Indonesian Stone Bust of Buddha

Snail-shell curls cover the head in neat rows, and the smile at the lips is barely there.

This bust of Buddha comes from Mojokerto, Indonesia, and dates to the 20th century. It is river stone. Images of the Buddha generally show certain marks of an enlightened being, including tight curls, a cranial protuberance and long earlobes. The dark brown face is smooth and polished, with lowered eyes and a small raised mark between the brows. Tight spiral curls rise to a tall rounded topknot. Long ears hang to the jaw, and the shoulders end in a rough-cut edge. It is 21 inches wide and 31 high.

Serenity, in stone heavy enough to stay put.