CHINESE, NORTHERN WEI TERRACOTTA TILE WITH BUDDHA - TL TESTED

Ca. 386-534 AD. A finely moulded grey pottery tile features Buddha within an arched recess. Buddha sits with his right foot outstretched and left foot arched, backed by a halo and wearing a rich red robe. His right hand is raised at shoulder height, with the arm bent and the palm facing outward to form the Abhaya Mudra or Gesture of Fearlessness. The Northern Wei dynasty was a strong supporter of Buddhism, and this is reflected in their artistic creations, including the production of tiles with Buddha images. These tiles were used to decorate temples and monasteries. This piece has been precisely dated by means of a Thermo Luminescence analysis carried out by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. The TL certificate with its full report will accompany this lot. Size: L:330mm / W:165mm ; 3.51kg Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.