Lot 97D
China, Song Dynasty, ca. 960 to 1279 CE. A grey brick from a Chinese temple with a beautiful depiction of the Buddha in relief standing beneath an arch. Buddha stands with an alms bowl in one hand, while the other faces downward, palm out. Bright pigment gives the Buddha a pale face, black eyes and eyebrows, a small red mouth, black hair, and robes of red, orange, and sky blue. He stands on a lotus pedestal of the same colors, with bright purple-blue pigment highlighting it. Size: 2.25" L x 5.1" W x 10.5" H (5.7 cm x 13 cm x 26.7 cm)
During the Song Dynasty, China expanded its trade along the Silk Road and South and Central Asian Buddhist proselytizers brought many sculptures and paintings of the Buddha into the country. This depiction of the Buddha shows the blend of Chinese art styles with those influences. Concurrently, the Chinese built numerous brick pagodas, like the famous Iron Pagoda in Kaifeng. Originally built of wood, it was struck by lightning and burned down before being rebuilt from brick in 1049 under the order of Emperor Renzong. Bricks like this one were mass produced to serve as the walls. The mold-making of bricks allowed them to have elaborate designs.
Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000
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.
#121871
- Condition: Losses to edges of brick as shown; excellent pigment remaining.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% 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 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |