唐 石雕菩薩頭像

the full-face carved with heavily-lidded eyes and small mouth beneath a prominent brow, flanked by long ears with pendulous earlobes, the hair piled high in a series of coiled whorls, mounted

Acquired at auction in New York, 1980s. 

There are scattered chips around both ears, and the surface of the stone is rough and also has small scattered chips. The cheeks, nose and forehead have a smoother patina and it is possible that there has been recarving to the central portion of the face, although nothing appears visible when examined under UV light.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The coiled whorl hairstyle of the present lot relates stylistically to Tang period buddha heads, such as the ones illustrated in Rene-Yvon d'Argence, Chinese, Korean and Japanese Sculpture in the Avery Brundage Collection, Tokyo / New York, 1974, pp. 212-5, nos. 104 and 106; and other examples sold in these rooms, 22nd September 2004, lot 24, and 31st and 1st April 2005, lot 95.  Apart from the treatment of the hair, these heads all have relatively plump faces, heavy eyelids and prominent brows. These features are also seen on the head of a Buddha figure illustrated in Jan Van Alphen, The Buddha in the Dragon Gate, Antwerp, 2001, no. 33.