A CARVED LIMESTONE FRAGMENTARY HEAD OF BUDDHA NORTHERN QI DYNASTY

the head set with a beatific expression portrayed through almond-shaped eyes in meditation below arched brows, a straight nose and well-chiselled pursed lips, framed by long pendulous earlobes, all below smooth hair covering the domed ushnisha, the stone of dark grey colour with a pale brown patina, wood stand

Acquired between the 1950s and 60s.

The head is a relief fragment with truncated back and a hole drilled at the back to fit on the wood stand. There is an old tiny dent to the tip of the nose that has been filled in. There are traces of an old flesh-toned layer on the face and neck. Otherwise the overall condition of the fragment is consistent with its age with no apparent recent damage or restoration.
"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."

The present head with its delicate features and fine carving style is reminiscent of examples from the large cache of Northern Qi dynasty Buddhist statues discovered at the site of the former Longxing Temple at Qingzhou, Shandong province. Sculptures from this site were included in the exhibition Masterpieces of Buddhist Statuary from Qingzhou City, Museum of National History, Beijing, 1999, and also in the exhibition Return of the Buddha. The Qingzhou Discoveries, the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2002.

Compare also another stone head of similar date, from the collection of Paul Wang, Michigan, included in the exhibition Chinese Buddhist Sculpture from the Wei through the T’ang Dynasties, National Museum of History, Taipei, 1983, cat. no. 14; another head from the collection of Dr. and Mrs. Frank T. Voyce, Denver, sold in our New York rooms, 22nd March 2001, lot 15; and a further head sold in our London rooms, 14th November 2000, lot 17.