Rock in the shape of a mountain, China, Qing Dynasty (XIX century), Black Lingbi limestone on a wooden stand, H: 34 cm.

The resonant, smooth and dark grey lingbi stone presents a finely crevassed surface The wooden base is carved in the Northern style.

Chinese scholars and collectors have for long time taken fragments of stones into their reading rooms, libraries and gardens with the purpose of introducing natural elements evocative of Chinese landscape painting into domestic spaces and proportions.

Head of Avalokitesvara, China, Southern Song (XII-XIII century), sandstone, Height: 48cm.

The large impressive head is adorned by an elaborate high crown decorated with jewels, beads and scrollwork. At the centre a worn out image of Buddha Amitabha in meditation position on a lotus base circled by a flaming mandorla. Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion , is generally represented with a Buddha in the crown.

The deity wears an expression of benevolence and calm. The full face is carved with a contemplative expression set with inward-looking downcast eyes.

Stylistically the features of the deity and the design and size of the crown are close to those of some of the Bodhisattva represented in the Buddhist grottoes of Dazu (Sichuan).

Ref : “Tang and Song Images of Guanyin from Sichuan” by Angela F. Howard – Orientations January 1990.

A pair of court attendants wearing a mask, China, Tang Dynasty (VII-IX century), Earthenware with pigment, H: 32 cm.

A pairs of officials shown wearing long robes with very wide sleeves and high hats with their hands clasped at the waist.

The officials are wearing masks or veils probably for a court ceremony; this detail makes the statues very rare.

Wei Asian Arts. Chinese and Southeast Asian Works of Art. Rue Van Moer 5 (Sablon), B-1000 Brussels, Belgium - Tel.: + 32 2 503 58 35 - Mobile:+ 32 485 960 695 - Email: weiasianarts@skynet.be - Website: www.asianart.com/wei