East Asia, China, Ming dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A mesmerizing stucco head of Buddha, expertly delineated with a serene facial expression comprised of downcast heavily laden meditative eyes with blue irises beneath neatly manicured arched black brows, a concave red bindi on the forehead, soft rounded cheeks, a noble nose, closed gently smiling red lips, characteristically elongated earlobes, a coiffure of tight curls with nice remains of blue pigment, and a rounded ushnisha in the center. A mesmerizing depiction of the enlightened Buddha with an idealized presence and a tranquil countenance - so focused and at peace as if he is engaged in contemplation with that somewhat enigmatic smile. A rare and sublime piece of history that has survived many centuries, set upon a custom tiered stand. Size: 9.25" L x 7.75" W x 11.25" H (23.5 cm x 19.7 cm x 28.6 cm); 17.75" H (45.1 cm) on included custom stand.

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 his expression. What's more, in this example the sculptor's adept modelling technique allows for a moving spiritual interpretation as opposed to other comparatively colder, stiffer renderings. A peaceful countenance with a convex rounded ushnisha symbolizing the wisdom and knowledge acquired after attaining enlightenment, and prominent 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 suggest that the Buddha can hear all that is asked for and needed in the earthly world. The dot on the forehead represents the third eye and wisdom. Buddha's full mouth signifies his gift of eloquent speech. Those half-closed eyes indicate a meditative state - at once looking both outward and inward. 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, the sculptor's artistry and technique is exceptional.

Provenance: private S.H. collection, Santa Clara, California, USA; acquired San Francisco Bonham Auction

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#126220

A section from a larger sculpture with minor surface wear showing losses to stucco and pigment, though there are nice remains of these, and small losses to tips of some hair curls. Nice craquelure to areas of the face. Possible restoration to the nose.