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Head of a bodhisattva
Head of a bodhisattva

Head of a bodhisattva

Place of OriginChina
DynastyNorthern Wei dynasty (386-534)
MaterialsStone
DimensionsH. 15 5/8 in × W. 6 in × D. 3 3/4 in (39.7 cm × 15.2 cm × 9.5 cm)
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60S574
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
Not on view
More Information

Typical of the early sixth century style, this youthful head of a Bodhisattva is shown with bow shaped eyebrows, half opened lotus eyes, and a long, straight nose. The lips are arched in the so called archaic smile, which gives to the elongated face a serene quality. The head is adorned with a high, three petaled lotus crown, which further accentuates its linearity. The ears arc long and flat, and follow the contour of the face.

The style of this head, as well as the material used, indicate that it might have come from the caves of Longmen The features are very similar to those of two other Longmen pieces in this collection (B60 S573, Pl. 35; B60 S151+ Pl. 37). This piece is also very close in style to a bronze Bodhisattva, dated 518 A.D, belonging to the Fuji Yurinkan.