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15 novembre 2019

An exceptional carved sandstone head of a Luohan, Tang-Jin Dynasty (618-1234)

48

48

48

Lot 48. An exceptional carved sandstone head of a Luohan, Tang-Jin Dynasty (618-1234); 14cm (5 1/2in) high. Estimate £10,000 - 15,000. Sold for £ 12,562 (€ 14,668). Photo Bonhams.

Naturalistically carved with large expressive almond-shaped eyes painted black beneath finely painted brows and a pronounced bump on the forehead, the nose gently curving slightly above the painted lips, the fleshy face framed between a pair of pendulous ears, the buff-coloured stone with traces of pigment remaining, wood stand.

Property from the Collection of John J. Studzinski, CBE.

Provenance: Jacques Barrere, Paris, 19 September 2002
John J. Studzinski, CBE. 

Note: The sensitive rendering of the luohan's expressive countenance is particularly fine on this superbly carved head. The head is striking for its vivid realism. By skilfully carving the head in the round, intricate and naturalistic detailing of the gentle curvature of the skull is captured.

Luohan or arhats, were close personal disciples of Buddha Shakyamuni. Although they attained Buddhahood during the course of their lives, they delayed entering Nirvana and remained on earth to protect the Buddhist dharma and to aid others in seeking Enlightenment according to the instruction of the Buddha. Luohan figures became increasingly popular from the Tang dynasty onwards; see A.Paludan, Chinese Sculpture: A Great Tradition, Chicago, 2006, p.270.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, London, 7 Nov 2019
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