Lot 348. A dark grey stone head of a bodhisattva, Northern Wei Dynasty (386-584), Longmen Caves; 9 5/8 in. (24.5 cm.) high, wood stand. Estimate USD 15,000 - USD 20,000. Price realised USD 92,500. © Christie's Image Ltd 2009

The long, narrow face carved with small chin and mouth, and straight nose continuing up into the brows that curve over the slit-carved eyes, flanked by large, flat ears, the hair with a centrally parted, curved hairline below the tall three-sided crown carved on the central facet with a seated figure of Amitabha Buddha flanked by foliate motifs at the corners and large flower heads on the side facets.

Provenance: Parke Bernet Galleries, New York, lot 127, prior to 1962.

Exhibited: The Columbia University Exhibition of Three Thousand Years of the Ceramic Art and Ancient Sculpture of China, from the Sackler Collections, Low Memorial Library, Columbia University, New York, 11 November 1962 - 18 January 1963.

Note: The present lot may be a representation of Maitreya, who is typically shown with legs pendent and crossed in front. See Comprehensive Illustrated Catalogue of Chinese Buddhist Statues in Overseas Collection, Beijing, 2005, p. 201-2 for two Northern Wei examples of Maitreya, also with a figure of Buddha placed at the front of the tall headdress.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Art from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, New York, 17 March 2009