Lot 3204. A Head of Bodhisattva, Longmen Style, Northern Qi, 550-577. H 42cm. Estimate HKD 2,000,000 - 2,800,000 (USD 255,238 - 357,333). Sold price HKD 2,360,000 (USD 301,181). © Poly Auction.

This head of bodhisattva perfectly illustrates the renaissance of statuary in China at the end of the 6th century, Still influenced by the stylized iconography under the Northern Wei, the style proclaims the suppleness that will characterize art during the Tang Dynasty.
At the time both sharp and hieratic, the contours of the face are deliberately emphasized to give a certain force to the divenity’s expression. The slender eyes peer downwards with a great strength. The heavily – etched brows join to form a flat nose. The well-defined and rounded mouth hints to a discreet smile and the cheekbones are highlighted by fine expression wrinkles on the corner of the lips. The hais, assembled in stylized curls, is formed into a chignon with large geometric swirls. 

Provenance: Collection of Mr. Daniel Cordier, Former Secretary of Jean Moulin, acquired before 1960s
Jacques Barrère Collection, Paris.

Poly Hong Kong. Eternal Treasure - A Selection of Important Chinese Sculptures from the Jacques Barrère’s Collection, 2 october 2018, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong