China, Tang Dynasty (618-907 Ad), Amber-colored Stone Bodhisattva Head

Stone head representing a bodhisattva

China
Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD)

The head of the bodhisattva is characterized by a rounded face, large lenticular eyes with half-closed eyelids expressing great serenity and framing a long aquiline nose with dilated nostrils. A small mouth with full lips sits above a prognathous chin. The hair, treated in concentric locks, is brought back into a high circular bun, the latter encircled by a headband tied at the front of the skull extending into two trilobed sections, each of which can evoke a jewel, the ears with distended lobes evoking the holiness of the bodhisattva.

Bodhisattvas in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition are spiritual beings who are filled with compassion for all suffering creatures and vow not to attain supreme enlightenment as long as there remains a single being to save. Playing a central role in Buddhism known as the 'great vehicle' because they are constantly occupied with the salvation of ordinary beings, they are therefore saviors to be invoked directly.

Amber-colored stone
Wear and tear
9.6 x 5 cm without stand
European private collection

Contact us: culturesetcivilisations@orange.fr