**Originally Listed At $11000**

East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 907 CE. A magnificent and impressively sizeable, stone Buddha (Shakyamuni, the Enlightened form), traditionally robed and seated in full lotus position atop a double lotus throne pedestal with his right hand resting on his knee and his left extended outwards. His peaceful stance is consonant with his contemplative visage of downcast eyes, an elegant nose, pursed lips, and characteristically elongated ears - all topped by one of the most elegant topknots we have seen, finely delineated with a symmetrical arrangement of wavy tresses and curls. Draping his left shoulder, his robes cloak his slender figure, cascading down in billowing folds that fall to puddles of fabric in his lap. A sizable mandorla rises from his sloped shoulders, intricately carved with scrolling motifs and reliefs of the Five Wisdom Tathagatas. His throne is adorned with lotus flower petals and 8 faces, perhaps representing the Eight Consciousnesses. Size: 14.9" W x 34.8" H (37.8 cm x 88.4 cm)

Buddha's robes are skillfully rendered, draped in a naturalistic way, while his facial features are serene and lifelike. He presents an overall peaceful countenance with the body engaged in meditation and the visage presenting a rounded ushnisha symbolizing the wisdom and knowledge acquired after attaining enlightenment, as well as 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 simultaneously suggest that the Buddha can hear all that is asked for and needed in the earthly world. Those half-closed eyes indicate a meditative state - at once looking both outward and inward. Furthermore, the curled 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 are exceptional.

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Please note that this item is heavy/oversized. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding.

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired before 2003

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#177243

Missing left hand and right side of mandorla, as well as some minor losses to peripheries of base and expected nicks and abrasions to surface. Otherwise, excellent with nice preservation of detail.