Sandstone head of a Ṛṣi, possibly Mon-Dvāravatī, Thailand, 9th -11th century, In Hinduism Ṛṣis are the sages and are 48,000 in number. They live in the world of gods and through severe religious austerities they have obtained great gifts (i.e. abilities). They can do without food and sleep, and they can be wherever they want to be [instantly]. The sculpture reveals influence of the Mon Dvāravatī art style. Dvāravatī art came into form around the 6th century by the Mon communities as part of numerous minor kingdoms that existed in Thailand. Though heavily influenced by Indian culture, later isolation enabled the development of a highly sophisticated and distinct Mon-Dvāravatī style clearly visible in this sandstone head with full lips and elongated eyes. On the Ṛṣi’s head, his matted hair is rolled up into a round bun and his moustache is clearly visible. Ṛṣi Akkhata or Phra Reusi Akkhot as named in Thailand, is closely related to Agastya and is believed to be a bodhisattva who practiced his ascetism in Sri Lanka and Thailand. H 19,5 cm (26,5 cm including socle), Provenance: De Hoop Collection J. Barthels Collection Maastricht,