East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty to Song Dynasty, ca. 8th to 10th century CE. An expressive, lifelike, almost full-sized head of a lord, carved from pale sandstone. His face is wonderfully depicted and realistic, conveying a warm expression through the centuries, with a slight smile and finely-rendered eyes and nose. He has an interesting facial hair style, with a hanging mustache, goatee, and beard, each lightly incised as is the top of his head to give the impression of very straight hair. He once had a full topknot. Size: 6.5" L x 5.7" W x 10.85" H (16.5 cm x 14.5 cm x 27.6 cm); 13.4" H (34 cm) on included custom stand.

This head was probably carved after the reign of Emperor Xuanzong (reigned 712 to 756 CE), who is known as the "Brilliant Monarch" and who ushered in a golden age of Chinese art and literature; artwork for centuries after was inspired by this "classical" period in the late Tang. Poems from the day describe and celebrate life at the court and the lives of military figures, giving us a clue as to who would have been important enough to sculpt - a secular figure, but most likely an elite one.

Provenance: private St. Louis, Missouri, USA collection; ex private Atlanta, Georgia, USA collection

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#128943

Front part of topknot is lost as is the edge of one ear. Expected surface wear and weathering with light deposits on surface. Head was removed from a larger piece, so the bottom edge is jagged. Very nice remaining facial details.