A RARE LIMESTONE HEAD OF AVALOKITESHVARA TANG DYNASTY

sensitively carved with natural rendered features, the rounded face carved with a straight nose and arched eyebrows, the eyelids lowered in a downcast gaze above well-defined pursed lips, all features framed by long pendulous earlobes and grooved hair drawn into a high chignon and set at the front with a diadem modelled with scrolls and swirls, the stone of a grey colour with traces of old pigments of brown, red, green and black, wood stand

Yamanaka & Co., Tokyo, 1932.
A private Japanese collection, and thence by descent.

Sekai Kobijutsu Dai Tenrankai [Expo of World antiques], Yamanaka & Co. and Tokyo Bijutsu Club, Nihon Bijutsu Kyokai, Tokyo, 1932, cat. no. 353.

The head is in unusually good condition for a fragmentary piece of this size, with all the key attributes and areas preserved well, including the full pendulous ears, the elaborate top knot and the sensitively carved facial features. As clearly visible in the catalogue photo, there are bruises and minor losses to the extremities, particularly the tip of the top knot. Drill hole to underside where it is mounted. There appears to be minor consolidation to the tip of the nose and ears, minute areas of the eye lids, and other fragile areas. These insignificant areas of infilling were already present in the 1932 Yamamaka photograph, and the overall patina of the stone is even.
"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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This sensitively carved head of Avalokiteshvara is a superb example of the Tang monumental style of carving of the 8th century. It exhibit the characteristics that encapsulate the style: meticulously fashioned hair that offsets a fleshy face; elegantly round with full cheeks and a double chin; the eyebrows arched above half-open eye-lids that are carved in easy flowing lines; eyes cast down as if in deep contemplation; a pronounced narrow nose; fleshy full lips pursed in a gentle serene smile; and elongated earlobes that represent the Bodhisattva's status.

These stylistic traits portray Avalokiteshvara as a worldly and sensuous being, conscious of the human world. The faint smile and half open eyes suggest a connection between the deity and his worshippers, perhaps an expression of his promise of salvation. In fact, the technical prowess of the sculptor is displayed by the creation of a facial expression that varies according to the angle of the viewer. Buddhism by this time was no longer an exotic import but part of ordinary life and therefore it was natural that sculptures took on a more familiar form compared to those produced in the preceding dynasties which inevitably display a strong Indian influence.

For examples of other Tang stone heads of comparable quality, see Osvald Siren, Chinese Sculpture: From the Fifth to the Fourteenth Century, New York, 1925, pl. 466A. Compare also one in the collection of the Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst, Cologne, illustrated in B. von Gunhild Gabbert, Buddhistische Plastik aus China und Japan, Wiesbaden, 1972, pl. 89; two published in R.L. d’Argence, Chinese, Korean and Japanese Sculpture in the Avery Brundage Collection, San Francisco, 1974, pls. 104 and 106; and a similar head sold in our New York rooms, 24th March 1998, lot 502.