Lot 92
East Asia, China, Qi Period to Tang Dynasty, ca. 550 to 907 CE. A massive marble head of the Buddha with a serene, remote expression that is characteristic of religious imagery in the earlier part of the Tang Dynasty. The half-open eyes are cast down, and the full lips pursed in a gentle smile, the head topped by a rounded ushnisha and nodules of tightly curled hair. The natural veining of the stone is also a beautiful addition to this piece! The Tang era is regarded the golden age of Buddhism in China, the religion was widely practiced and many monasteries and temples were built, most remains of Indian and Central Asian influence in sculpture had been replaced by a Chinese aesthetic. Size: 9.5" Diameter x 16" H (24.1 cm x 40.6 cm); 20.5" H (52.1 cm) on included custom stand.
The head of the Buddha is perhaps the most significant element of the deity as it represents the immense body of knowledge and wisdom of Buddha along with the tranquil nature that emanates from his expression. The prominent elongated ears are a physical feature symbolic of the Buddha's time as a prince when he wore elaborate ear ornaments to demonstrate wealth and prosperity. Of course, the prince stopped wearing them when he left the palace to become an ascetic; however, his earlobes remained stretched signifying a conscious decision to reject the material world in exchange for spiritual enlightenment and suggest that the Buddha can hear all that is asked for and needed in the earthly world. Those half-closed eyes indicate a meditative state - at once looking both outward and inward. Furthermore, the ushnisha often described as a top knot or cranial protuberance at the top of his head is a symbol of his enlightenment and enthronement, and the curled nodules of hair spiraling upward toward the sun.
Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired before 2003
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#177357
- Condition: Professional repairs to both eyelid and brow areas. Fragment of a larger statue as shown. Losses to left ear and abrasions. Chips to high pointed areas and light mineral deposits. Overall excellent condition with sharp details.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
8. IN-HOUSE SHIPPING: All buyers will receive an invoice detailing their purchases, sales tax (if applicable), buyer's premium, and shipping/insurance charges. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. We are currently experiencing shipping delays due to staff shortages, please allow up to 15 days for shipping after payment is received. If you prefer to work with a third-party shipper, we can assist with recommendations.
**Please note, we are currently unable to ship to Australia, Germany and Switzerland due to customs clearance issues. If you are in one of these countries, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase.*
**For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country; this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. Also, please be aware that Artemis Gallery will NOT falsify customs value on any international shipments - what you pay is what we declare, no exceptions. There are a small number of international countries we cannot ship to. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding**
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |