A SANDSTONE FRAGMENTRY RELIEF HEAD OF A LUOHAN TANG DYNASTY

the granulated greyish stone with traces of a white layer and flesh-toned pigment, carved in soft rounded volumes as a luohan head truncated around the lower edge and left side of the face while preserving most of the upper right section, the serene face portrayed with meditative expression, with bow-shaped hooded eyes, a straight nose, and finely defined pursed lips picked out with vermilion pigment, all framed by thick, black arching brows below a tonsured head centred with the raised urna on the forehead and the tip of one ear exposed, wood stand

Acquired between the 1950s and 60s.

The nose of the lohan is partly truncated as visible on the photo. There is some age wear and rubbing to the eyebrows and on the cheek from handling but otherwise there is no apparent recent damages or restorations.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Luohan were saintly personages who were especially revered by followers of Chan Buddhism, although they became an important part of all schools of thought, including Tiantai, Pure Land and esoteric Buddhism. As hermits who enjoyed nature they equally represented all that was revered by Daoist followers. The present relief is impressive and unusual for the three-quarter depiction, with the head slightly tilted forward as if in deep contemplation. Some of the most striking and important examples of Tang dynasty carvings of luohan may be found on the walls of the Kanjing temple at Longmen, located south of Luoyang in Henan province. This cave temple, which was sponsored by Empress Wu between 690 and 704, contains twenty-nine life-size figures of these patriarchs shown interacting with each other and forming a procession around the perimeter of the cave. Three of them are illustrated in Angela Falco Howard et al., Chinese Sculpture, New Haven and Beijing, 2006, p. 302, pl. 3.109.

Compare also two luohan figures depicted in situ from the Wanfotong (Ten Thousand Buddha Caves) at Longmen, one of them carved standing slightly sideways looking over his companion, illustrated in Zhongguo meishu quanji, vol. 11, Shanghai, 1988, pl. 137; and another Tang dynasty head of a luohan shown facing forward, offered at Christie’s London, 10th December 1990 lot 71.