A sandstone head of a Bodhisattva with serene expression, rounded cheeks and eyes downcast beneath the arched brows, elongated earlobes signifying wisdom and compassion; wearing a large lotus-shaped crown with a central jewel.
Size: Height 27.5cm, weight 7.4kg
Fine condition.
Object history: UK art market, previously acquired 1990s West Country collection, UK.
Object literature: The Northern Wei was a Chinese dynasty which ruled Northern China from 386 to 534 AD. The Northern Wei dynasty is particularly noted for unifying Northern China in 439; this was also a period when foreign ideas were being introduced, such as Buddhism, which became firmly established. Northern Wei sculpture, represents the first major Buddhist influence on Chinese art.
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