East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, 18th century CE. A finely carved stone head of Buddha with a serene facial expression, tightly curled hair nodes rising to a peak, heavily laden downcast meditative eyes, a noble nose, elongated earlobes, and heart-shaped lips. 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 its expression. Size: 5" W x 7" H (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
The prominent elongated ears are a physical trait symbolic of the Buddha's time as a prince when he wore elaborate ear ornaments to demonstrate wealth and prosperity. When he left the palace to become an ascetic, he stopped wearing them; however, his earlobes remained stretched signifying a renunciation of the material world. 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, its technique and artistry is exceptional.
Provenance: private Healy collection, Studio City, California, USA, acquired prior to 2009
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#141942
Condition
A head from a larger statue with loss at neckline. Expected surface wear with abraded areas as shown. Nicks to hair curls, peripheries of ears, nose, and other high-pointed areas. Nice earthen and mineral deposits on surface.