A rare limestone head of Guanyin

A rare limestone head of Guanyin
12th/13th century
The head finely carved in sensuous volumes, the full fleshy face with slightly downcast eyes accentuated by wide arched eyebrows, straight nose, plump pouty lips and subtle double-chin, the forehead with a circular recess to hold the urna, with pendulous ears and neatly-dressed hair drawn up in a high chignon secured by a foliate crown fastened fastened with a ribbon at the back and with a central Buddha Amitabha amidst interlacing floral scrolls, traces of coloured pigments remaining. 43.3cm (17in) high.