Lot 127A
East Asia, China, Northern Wei Dynasty, ca. 386 to 534 CE. A finely carved stone head of Buddha with a serene facial expression, tightly curled hair nodes rising to a rounded ushnisha, heavily laden downcast meditative eyes, a noble nose, elongated earlobes, and gently smiling heart-shaped lips - clearly a visage that could inspire hours peaceful meditation. Enveloping the face is a thin layer of white pigment used to further embellish the Buddha's delicate facial features. Size: 6.875" W x 9.7" H (17.5 cm x 24.6 cm); 16.75" H (42.5 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 its expression. A peaceful countenance with a rounded Ushnisha symbolizing the wisdom and knowledge acquired after attaining enlightenment, and prominent elongated ears, 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 renunciation of the material world. Furthermore, the curled, short hair of the Buddha signifies the nobility of Buddha. Beyond the multi-layered meaning embodied in the iconography of this piece, its technique and artistry is exceptional.
Provenance: private collection of the late Karming Wong; approximate date of acquisition: late 1970 to early 1980
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#155872
- Condition: Losses to areas of neck, ear lobes, coiffure, and verso as shown. Light abrasions and nicks to face, paint, coiffure, and verso, with light encrustations, and chipping to some facial features. Great incised details and nice remains of original white pigment.
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