A RARE LIMESTONE 'LONGMEN' RELIEF FRAGMENTARY HEAD OF AVALOKITESHVARA NORTHERN WEI DYNASTY, EARLY 6TH CENTURY

the grey stone fragment carved in soft rounded volume with a relief head of Avalokiteshvara, the elongated face portrayed with a serene expression with almond-shaped eyes, small bud lips and a straight nose, all framed by pendulous earlobes and a tall trapezoidal tiara centred with the Amitabha Buddha seated in dhyanasana flanked by two fleur-de-lys above the parted hairline, the stone of dark grey colour with traces of old red pigment, black-stained enoki wood stand

Collection of Sato Gengen (1888-1963), Japanese sculptor.
Acquired between the 1950s and 60s.

The fragment of grey stone was originally part of wall. There is wear and rubbing to the pigment consistent with age. Apart from this there is no visible recent damages or chips.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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The present fine head represents the height of Northern Wei period carving particularly seen at the Longmen cave temples, near Luoyang in Henan province. Figures of this type, depicted with slender bodies, sloping shoulders and delicate facial features which included the curved ‘butterfly’ eyebrows, were made to represent the ideal beauty at the time. As seen in this head, the stylisation of the facial features is distinct with a pronounced narrow and elongated head and a high crown that further emphasizes the linearity of the sculpture. This bodhisattva has an ethereal quality with the lips shown in an enigmatic smile that represented the purest form of the ideal of Buddhist spiritual enlightenment. 

For comparable examples, see two seated figures of bodhisattvas, both from Longmen and now in the Museum Rietberg, Zurich, illustrated in Osvald Sirén, Chinese Sculptures in the von der Heydt Collection, Zurich, 1959, pls. 11-2, of similar facial features to the present example. Compare also three figures from Longmen published in Zhongguo meishu quanji, vol. 11, Shanghai, 1988, pls. 52-4; a related head of a bodhisattva, attributed to Longmen, published in Rene-Yvon Lefebvre d’Argence (ed.), Chinese, Korean and Japanese Sculpture in the Avery Brundage Collection, Tokyo, 1974, pl. 34; and a further example, from the collection of Chu Hsiao-shih, Taipei, included in the exhibition Chinese Buddhist Sculpture from the Wei through the T’ang Dynasties, National Museum of History, Taipei, 1983, cat. no. 9.

Compare also a head sold in our London rooms, 16th December 1980, lot 435; another, sold at Christie’s New York, 20th March 1997, lot 122; and a third example sold at Christie’s New York, 6th June 1985, lot 529.