Lot 735. A gilt-bronze head of Buddha, Northern Wei dynasty (AD 386-534); 1 1⁄2 in. (3.9 cm.) high, softwood stand, Japanese wood box. Estimate USD 8,000 - USD 12,000. Price realised USD 20,160. © Christie's 2022

The oval face is cast with a serene expression, flanked by long pendulous ear lobes beneath the hair neatly arranged in tight curls. 

Provenance: Important private Japanese collection, prior to 1968, and thence by descent within the family.

Literature: Ancient Chinese Art - The Origin of Japanese Art, Kagawa, 1968, F9.
Osaka City Museum, Chinese Art from Six dynasties,1975, no. 3-164.
Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, Hidden 3000 Years- Asian Art Culture. (year unknown).

Exhibited: Kagawa Prefecture, Kagawa Prefectural Cultural Hall, Ancient Chinese Art - The Origin of Japanese Art, 1968.
Osaka, The Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, Art of the Six Dynasties, 10 October- 9 November 1975.
Aichi, Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, Hidden 3000 Years- Asian Art Culture, 17 April-5 May (year unknown).

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 25 march 2022