CHINESE NORTHERN WEI DYNASTY TERRACOTTA BRICK

C. 386-534 AD. Chinese Northern Wei Dynasty. A terracotta brick in a cream-coloured fabric featuring a beautiful depiction of a seated Buddha with a red robe, black hair and green halo. The figure has a raised right hand, with the palm facing outwards and the fingers upwards while the left arm is held close to the body. This gesture, known as the Abhaya Mudra symbolises wisdom and fearlessness. The Northern Wei dynasty ruled northern China from c. 386 to 534 AD and its most famous achievement was unifying a large empire following a long period social and political turbulence. However, craftsmen working under this dynasty were also responsible for beautiful works of art, many of which relate to Buddhist religion, as this object exemplifies. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1970s on the UK and European art market. Size: L:335mm / W:170mm ; 3.6kg