† A LIMESTONE HEAD OF ANANDA, BUDDHA’S DISCIPLE AND PERSONAL ATTENDANT, LATE TANG TO EARLY SONG DYNASTY

拍品描述

† A LIMESTONE HEAD OF ANANDA, BUDDHA’S DISCIPLE AND PERSONAL ATTENDANT, LATE TANG TO EARLY SONG DYNASTY Expert’s note: Representations of Ananda are distinguished from those of most other Buddhist disciples by several characteristic features. Most striking is the exceptionally expansive, smoothly shaven cranium, which in some images occupies almost half the entire head. The effect is as if accumulated wisdom had pushed the facial features downward—an intentional exaggeration that visually conveys Ananda’s exceptional stature as both scholar and foremost disciple of the Buddha. Equally characteristic, particularly in early representations, is an expression of profound inwardness and humility, reflecting his traditional role as the devoted attendant who heard, remembered, and ultimately transmitted the Buddha’s teachings. In both respects, the present portrait is exceptionally accomplished and may be counted among the finest representations of Ananda of its type. China. The smooth shaved head of rounded square form, carved with meditative downcast eyes with sinuous lids beneath gently arched brows, the full-lips curled in a gentle smile beneath the pointed nose, all flanked by long pendulous earlobes. Dimensions: Height 20 cm (excl. stand), 28.2 cm (incl. stand) Mounted to a modern stand. (2) The present figure represents Buddha's disciple Ananda, who (together with Kasyapa) is often portrayed flanking Buddha. The head closely resembles sculptures of disciples flanking Buddha in the Qianfodong (Cave of a Thousand Buddhas), for an example see Ananda in Mogao Cave 328, Dunhuang, dated to the early Tang period. Another stylistic comparison can be made to a large figure of Ananda located in the Fengxian Temple in the Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang, Henann province. Ananda was one of the Buddha Shakyamuni’s principal disciples and his personal attendant during the final decades of his life. Celebrated for his exceptional memory, he was said to have heard and retained virtually all of the Buddha’s teachings. According to Buddhist tradition, at the First Buddhist Council following the Buddha’s death, Ananda recited the discourses from memory, thereby playing a fundamental role in the formation and transmission of the Buddhist canon. He is therefore revered above all as the guardian of the Buddha’s teachings and the embodiment of faithful learning and devotion. Literature comparison: For a related example from the Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang, Henan Province, see Ann Paludan, Chinese Sculpture: A Great Tradition, Chicago, 2006, p.293, fig.178; and other examples in Chugoku Sekkutsu: Ryumon Sekkutsu, vol.2, Heibonsha series, 1988, pls.55 and 64. Auction result comparison: Type: Near identical Auction: Bonhams London, 7 November 2019, lot 49 Estimate: GBP 25,000 or approx. EUR 39,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the near identical form, expression, manner of carving, and size (19 cm). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.

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