Stone Head of Bodhisattva, Northern Wei-Tang Dynasties

The small dots apparent on the surface of this stone stele are indicative of an oolitic silica structure or oolites formed in what is known as "Oolitic chert." The same phenomenon can also be observed in the Tang Dynasty Limestone Stele at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. This formation occurs gradually over the course of thousands to several hundred thousand years within the soil or sea. Similar structures are commonly found in ancient fossils or arrowheads. Ancient peoples chose certain types of stones for tool-making, preferring materials that were easier to work with and could be sharpened effectively. This predilection is believed to be the reason why oolitic silica structures are frequently found in ancient arrowheads. The development of these oolitic silica structures is a very slow process involving the accumulation of siliceous layers around particulates. This phenomenon, where silica reacts with water to form layers around a nucleus, occurs under specific chemical and physical conditions. Typically, it takes thousands to hundreds of thousands of years for silica to gradually accumulate in layers through contact with moisture, a process that requires a precise harmony of many variables, including chemical conditions, temperature, pressure, pH, and biological activity. It is known that no other stele with such a silica structure has been identified to date, serving not only as evidence of its authenticity but also significantly enhancing the rarity of this piece. This stele appears to be a stone sculpture of an apsara, a celestial nymph from Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Despite its fragmentary state, the sculpture conveys grace and movement. The apsara is captured in a dynamic pose, perhaps once part of a larger tableau, playing a flute-like instrument. The black stand was made in Hong Kong at the time of the acquisition. Date : Northern Wei/Eastern Wei Dynasty(386~550) Size : 22cm (Height) x 16cm(diameter) Condition : Good (oolites dots on surface) Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : 1) Sotheby's New York 20 March 2018 - Jingyatang Treasures Of Chinese Buddhist...

This figure appears to be a terracotta statuette, possibly representing a court official or a deity given the distinct headgear which could signify a rank or divine attribute. The style of the figurine, with its facial features and remnants of paint, suggests it could be a part of funerary art, which was common in Chinese culture during these periods. Date : Northern Wei...

This guardian figure represents a fusion of human and beast, a common motif symbolizing protection in Chinese lore. Crafted from pottery, the figure is a testament to the era's sculp...

Flying two heavenly beings depicted in the stone. They are celestial beings called an Apsara. While having the same fragment and shape, another work I uploaded exhibits small dots on...

Stone Buddha head with beautiful, natural, age-related patina from the Chinese Song Dynasty, The head, measuring 18 x 12 x 12 cm, is mounted on a wooden ...

Exuding an energy of calm and tranquility, this larger-than-life stone bust depicts a Buddhist bodhisattva in serene meditation. A disciple of the Buddha, a bodhisattva is a compassi...

On offer is a fine Bodhisattva head made of stucco around a wood core circa 6th century AD. The fragment was part of high-relief wall sculpture based ...

As the embodiment of compassion, Guanyin is the most beloved enlightened being in China. Known as the Goddess of Mercy, she is the female bodhisattva form taken by Avalokitesvara in eastern Buddhism and is instantly available to all who call upon her with their mind. Though commonly depicted as a woman in Chinese statuary...