 |
Tianlongshan Caves: Head of a Bodhisattva
|
| |
|
Tianlongshan Caves: Head of a Bodhisattva
CHINA, Shanxi, Taiyuan; Tang dynasty (618–907); Sandstone; H: 40 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
The head originally adorned a statue at the Tianlongshan Caves in Shanxi. The Bodhisattva 's hair is dressed in thin plaits tied in a topknot, below which is a jewel. Seemingly tilted to one side, the Bodhisattva shows a compassionate expression on the rounded face. The lips of the small month are slightly parted. The neck has the three lines thought to distinguish a great person. It has been suggested that the head belongs to a flanking Bodhisattva that formed part of a triad in Cave 21, and that the figure was seated in the royal ease posture. |
