East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A superb stone bust of Buddha draped in a robe with a skillfully-incised, spiral motif hem that folds at his chest, all adorned in liberal remains of teal and white pigments. Boasting a tranquil presentation, his round visage presents downcast eyes beneath arched brows, a flattened nose, full cheeks, and petite, bow lips, all surmounted by a tightly coiled coiffure and tiered ushnisha. His rounded shoulders taper to a thick neck as his giant ears flank his head, their drooping lobes nearly touching his shoulders. Size: 11" W x 19.3" H (27.9 cm x 49 cm); 21.5" H (54.6 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. What's more, in this example the sculptor's adept modelling technique allows for a moving spiritual interpretation as opposed to other comparatively colder, stiffer renderings. A peaceful countenance with a convex rounded ushnisha symbolizing the wisdom and knowledge acquired after attaining enlightenment, and prominent elongated ears, 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. Buddha's full mouth signifies his gift of eloquent speech. Those half-closed eyes indicate a meditative state - at once looking both outward and inward. Furthermore, the curled, short hair of the Buddha signifies the nobility of Buddha. Beyond the multi-layered meaning embodied in the iconography of this piece, the sculptor's artistry and technique is exceptional.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, acquired from 1960 to 2000
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#172826
Condition
Fragment of a larger piece. Some chipping to shoulders and a few areas of resurfacing. Expected surface wear, as shown. Otherwise, excellent. Liberal remains of pigment that was added in 20th century CE.