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East Asia, China, Northern Qi to Tang Dynasty, ca. 549 to 650 CE. A beautiful gray stone sculpture depicting a standing torso of a Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, or Guanyin. The upright figure dons a diaphanous skirt tied in front by a belt, its folds and stylization creating a dynamic sense of movement characteristic of sculpture influenced by Gupta-era Buddhist artistry (ca. 320 to 647 CE). The chest is adorned with beaded necklaces and a grand pectoral ornament in relief between rounded, sloped shoulders, and the neck features a series of folds to enhance its realism. Lapidary artisans in the preceding Northern Wei Dynasty (ca. 386 to 534 CE) were known to have been strongly influenced by Buddhist stylization, so much so that it carried over into the sculptural techniques of artists well into the early Tang Dynasty. Size: 22.5" H (57.2 cm)

In Buddhist belief, Bodhisattvas are among the most compassionate beings in the universe, devoting themselves to saving the suffering and helping others achieve enlightenment and Buddhahood. In Chinese art from this time period and earlier, they are depicted as less austere than Buddhas, with graceful postures and elegant garments, a nod to the riches of the Northwestern Chinese Silk Road. This piece is no exception.

Cf. The Minneapolis Institute of Art, accession number 2007.18

Please note that this piece is a dropship item, meaning that it will be shipping from the consignor's location. All information regarding condition, size, stone identification, and metal content have been provided by the consignor.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, NY; ex-East Anglian private collection acquired in Hong Kong in the early 1990s.

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#179937

Losses as shown, else excellent.