CHINA, TANG DYNASTY ELABORATE STONE HEAD OF BUDDHA

C. AD 618-907. Tang Dynasty. Grey stone head of Buddha with elaborate headdress. The Buddha’s hair is carefully modelled to allow us to distinguish individual curls, his heavily-lidded eyes are closed and his lips closed. A rounded, double chin and prominent, pendulous ears are characteristic of Buddha in Chinese art. His headdress depicts a standing buddha and flanked by four sitting buddha; above them, further figures peak from a mass of vegetable motifs. The standing individual is backed by an almond-shaped halo and makes the Anjali gesture, symbolising greeting. His companions to the side are each backed by a circular halo; their seated posture refers to the moment just before Buddha receives enlightenment. The back of the head is plain, but finished, as is indicated by the presence of an attachment track intended to show the headdress being held in place. Traces of red and green paint are still visible on the headdress and on the ears. Buddhism entered China as early as the Han Dynasty (late 3rd century BC-early 3rd century AD), and has played an important part in shaping the country’s art, politics, literature and philosophy. This exceptional piece embodies the importance of Buddha to Chinese culture and reflects the enormous amount of work invested by Tang craftsmen and would make a stunning centrepiece for any private collection. Excellent condition; on a custom stand. Size: L:490mm / W:260mm (w/o stand); 35.8kg. Provenance: From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed before 2000 on the UK /European art markets.