北齊 石灰石高浮雕佛頭像

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

購於五十至六十年代

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."

此頭像雕刻風格流暢，細節精巧，近似於山東省青州龍興寺遺址發掘之窖藏北魏佛教造像群。此批造像曾展於《盛世重光：山東青州龍興寺出土佛教石刻造像精品》，國家歷史博物館，北京，1999年，以及《Return of the Buddha. The Qingzhou Discoveries》， 皇家藝術學院，倫敦，2002年。

亦可比較一件相同時期之石雕頭像，出自密西根 Paul Wang 收藏，展於《中國古代石雕藝術》，國立歷史博物館，台北，1983年，編號14；另一例，出自丹佛 Dr. Frank T. Voyce 伉儷珍藏，售於紐約蘇富比2001年3月22日，編號15；還有一例，售於倫敦蘇富比2000年11月14日，編號17。