Bronze with gold , silver and copper inlaysWest-Tibet, 14th centuryDimensions: Height 17 cmWeight: 354 gramsThis fine head bronze from West-Tibet of a Tathagata, a term the Gautama Buddha used to refer to himself in the Pali Canon. The head is attached to a metal rod. The face has very fine features, slender lips and nose, the eyes are downcast, thin eyebrows and a turquoise stone inlay as the third eye. The ears are slightly elongated and adorned with a circular ear pendant with beaded rim, the left ear pendant seems missing. The Buddha is wearing an elaborately crafted tiara and underneath it the edge of the small haircurls is visible. The tiara has a larger decor in the center with a golden circle and a small turquoise stone above it. The high chignon portruding in the middle is topped by a parasol with lotus bud flanked by what seems like deer antlers. Above the lotus bud is a crescent moon and a sun, again topped by a closed lotus bud. This is a very finely crafted piece.