Indonesian Stone Monk Head

Eyes nearly closed, mouth on the edge of a smile, and ears that go on for some time.

This monk head comes from Mojokerto, Indonesia, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved from river stone. Mojokerto in East Java lies near the old Majapahit capital at Trowulan and has long been home to stone carvers working in the island's classical styles. The shaven head rises smooth and rounded above a calm face with arched brows and heavy-lidded eyes. Long earlobes fall nearly to the shoulders, and a thin line marks the edge of a robe across the chest. The speckled gray stone is left matte. It is 16 inches wide and 17 high.

Patience, rendered in a material that has plenty of it.