Huge Chinese Qi / Tang Dynasty Marble Head of Buddha

East Asia, China, Qi Period to Tang Dynasty, ca. 550 to 907 CE. A massive marble head of the Buddha with a serene, remote expression that is characteristic of religious imagery in the earlier part of the Tang Dynasty. The half-open eyes are cast down, and the full lips pursed in a gentle smile, the head topped by a rounded ushnisha and nodules of tightly curled hair. The natural veining of the stone is also a beautiful addition to this piece! The Tang era is regarded the golden age of Buddhism in China, the religion was widely practiced and many monasteries and temples were built, most remains of Indian and Central Asian influence in sculpture had been replaced by a Chinese aesthetic. Size: 9.5" Diameter x 16" H (24.1 cm x 40.6 cm); 20.5" H (52.1 cm) on included custom stand.

The head of the Buddha is perhaps the most significant element of the deity as it represents the immense body of knowledge and wisdom of Buddha along with the tranquil nature that emanates from his expression. The prominent elongated ears are a physical feature symbolic of the Buddha's time as a prince when he wore elaborate ear ornaments to demonstrate wealth and prosperity. Of course, the prince stopped wearing them when he left the palace to become an ascetic; however, his earlobes remained stretched signifying a conscious decision to reject the material world in exchange for spiritual enlightenment and suggest that the Buddha can hear all that is asked for and needed in the earthly world. Those half-closed eyes indicate a meditative state - at once looking both outward and inward. Furthermore, the ushnisha often described as a top knot or cranial protuberance at the top of his head is a symbol of his enlightenment and enthronement, and the curled nodules of hair spiraling upward toward the sun.

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired before 2003

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#177357
Condition Report: Professional repairs to both eyelid and brow areas. Fragment of a larger statue as shown. Losses to left ear and abrasions. Chips to high pointed areas and light mineral deposits. Overall excellent condition with sharp details.