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CHINA, NORTHERN QI DYNASTY STONE TORSO OF BUDDHA
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Description
549 - 577 AD. Northern Qi Dynasty. Grey stone torso of a standing Buddha, without a head which would probably have originally been in precious metal. The torso stands upright, wears a light, billowing robe draped from his right shoulder and are gathered by a belt with a medallion buckle around the navel. The folds of the robe had been elegantly moulded to create a sense of motion. One arm is slightly raised above the other; the right hand holds a round object, perhaps a pomegranate, which is a traditional wedding gift in Chinese Buddhism and is considered to be a symbol of prosperity, health and fertility. Comparable pieces are known in the Royal Ontario Museum, see Homage to Heaven, Homage to Earth, 1992, p.163, pl.92 and in the Eskenzi exhibition (Sculpture and ornament in early Chinese art, London, 11 June-13 July 1996, no. 31). A similar item was recently sold at Christies, see https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-chinese-stone-torso-of-buddha-northern-4285175-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=4285175 Excellent condition; on a custom stand. Size: L:670mm / W:260mm (w/o stand); 33.6 kg. Provenance: From an old Sumerset collection of Asian Art formed in the 1980s/1990s.
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549 - 577 AD. Northern Qi Dynasty. Grey stone torso of a standing Buddha, without a head which would probably have originally been in precious metal. The torso stands upright, wears a light, billowing robe draped from his right shoulder and are gathered by a belt with a medallion buckle around the navel. The folds of the robe had been elegantly moulded to create a sense of motion. One arm is slightly raised above the other; the right hand holds a round object, perhaps a pomegranate, which is a traditional wedding gift in Chinese Buddhism and is considered to be a symbol of prosperity, health and fertility. Comparable pieces are known in the Royal Ontario Museum, see Homage to Heaven, Homage to Earth, 1992, p.163, pl.92 and in the Eskenzi exhibition (Sculpture and ornament in early Chinese art, London, 11 June-13 July 1996, no. 31). A similar item was recently sold at Christies, see https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-chinese-stone-torso-of-buddha-northern-4285175-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=4285175 Excellent condition; on a custom stand. Size: L:670mm / W:260mm (w/o stand); 33.6 kg. Provenance: From an old Sumerset collection of Asian Art formed in the 1980s/1990s.
MASTERPIECES OF ANCIENT ASIA
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25 Bury Place
Bloomsbury
London
WC1A 2JH
United Kingdom
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This sale takes you on a 5000-year old journey from Ancient Mesopotamia to Ming dynasty China. Featuring Antiquities and Ancient works of art from China, India, the Holy Lands, Western and Southeast Asia. The section includes a great variety of artifacts in terracotta, stucco, bronze and stone- some fascinating Gandhara sculptures depicting Buddha and various scenes, collection of TL-tested Chinese terracotta figurines and vessels. The auction also includes various objects from western Asia and the Holy Lands- rare pots from Persia, Indus Valley Idols, Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets and many others. The Auction features some masterpieces of Chinese art including large stone figures and fully authenticated Chinese bronze vessels. A one a kind auction reflecting the splendor of Asian art throughout the ages! We are members of the BNTA (British Numismatic Trading Association) and the ALR (Art Loss Register). WE ACCEPT DIRECT PAYMENTS IN ALL MAJOR CURRENCIES: USD, GBP AND EUR.
