This bronze Buddha head is over one metre high and is all that remains of an enormous statue. Such an image would have been very expensive to produce and must surely have come from an important temple.

The head was cast in sections, and such was the skill of the sculptors, despite the size and a weight of around 100 kilos, it is hollow and the metal itself is only three millimetres thick. The sections are so thin and fine that details like the lips and eyes can be traced in hollow relief inside. The bronze mixture used is a most unusual alloy of copper, iron, tin and lead.

Gallery location:
Buddhism, Room 47f, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Galleries of Buddhist Art, case 2

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.

Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London