Tang Dynasty (7th–8th Century) Painted Stone Bodhisattva Head Sculpture

拍品描述

Dimensions: 42 cm (16.5 in./1.38 ft) high, 16.5 cm (6.5 in./0.54 ft) wide at maximum head, including matching wooden base; 7th-8th century (Tang Dynasty). Condition and Provenance: Well-preserved, with natural weathering, soil accumulation, dark mineral stains, and traces of original paint. Parts of the original red and gilded decoration are still visible on the headband, ornaments, and lips. There are ancient cracks on the neck. Comes with a later-added wooden base. Provenance: Private collection, California, USA, acquired from a family of American Asian art collectors. Description: This sculpture is a finely carved, painted stone Bodhisattva head, 42 cm high (excluding base), 16.5 cm wide at maximum. It is a fragment of an ancient Guanyin Bodhisattva statue from an ancient temple. The Bodhisattva head is proportionally balanced and dignified. The head is adorned with a raised square ushnisha (cranial protuberance), flanked by cloud and floral patterns. A red and gold ribbon hangs across the forehead, with flowing ribbons cascading down the sides. With full, exquisitely shaped ears, this sculpture showcases the refined style of early Buddhist sculpture. The facial lines are fluid and the proportions balanced. The sculpture is carved from dense, high-quality bluestone. The surface retains traces of natural aging, weathering, soil deposits, and the original white base layer. Residual pigments include vermilion on the headdress and ribbon, traces of gilding on the floral patterns, and red pigment on the lips. An ancient fracture in the neck is consistent with the overall age and condition of the sculpture. As an important subject in Buddhist art, this Bodhisattva head represents the elegance and spiritual essence of early Chinese stone carving, possessing extremely high historical research, museum exhibition, and private collection value.

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