Head of the Buddha, early 9th century

Head of the Buddha

early 9th century · Sculpture · 32.5 × 24 cm

Can I see it?

Yes, on view now

Where is “Head of the Buddha” now? Victoria and Albert Museum, Buddhism, Room 47f, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Galleries of Buddhist Art, London. Yes, on view now. Checked September 25, 2026.

Victoria and Albert Museum

London, United Kingdom

RoomBuddhism, Room 47f, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Galleries of Buddhist Art

Closed· opens at 10:00 AM

On public display.

Checked
In this state since
Source
The museum

About the sculpture

This head originally formed part of a large-scale image of Buddha Shakyamuni. It may date from the end of the Shailendra dynasty, which ruled Java between 760 and 830AD. The Shailendra rulers were strong supporters of Mahayana Buddhism and erected many Buddhist monuments in central Java, including the great temple complex of Borobudur.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Details

Accession number
IS.38-1988

What it shows

In the catalog

Sources

In the same room · Buddhism, Room 47f, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Galleries of Buddhist Art, Victoria and Albert Museum

Museum page

On the same theme · Buddhism

All works on the theme