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Wanfo Temple: Head of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
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Wanfo Temple: Head of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
CHINA, Sichuan, Chengdu; Tang dynasty (618–907); Sandstone; H: 41 cm; Sichuan Museum, Chengdu, China
The Bodhisattva head was excavated from the site of Wanfo Temple. The band of the crown has three large emblems and is wrapped about a striking openwork topknot that is fronted by a Buddha seated in a niche. The neatly combed hair is centrally parted but is hidden beneath the cloth falling from the back of the crown. The face is elongated and the facial features are strikingly realistic, particularly in the long, narrow eyes, and the area around the nose and mouth. Such elements are often seen in sculptures of the Sui (581–618) and Tang (618–907) dynasties. |
