Asia Society Home Asia Society Home
< previous  3 of 4  next >
enlarge image map of region
related objects
CHINESE OBJECTS FROM THE COLLECTION
Chinese Bronzes of the Shang and Zhou Periods
Han Dynasty Bronzes
Early Chinese Ceramics
Sculpture from Tombs
Chinese Buddhist Sculpture
Tang and Liao Dynasty Metalwork
Ceramics of the Song and Jin Periods
Porcelains of the Yuan and Early Ming Periods
Imperial Chinese Ceramics of the 15th Century
Ceramics of the Late Ming Period
Qing Dynasty Porcelain
Landscape Painting in China
Jade and Lacquer in China
Head of a Bodhisattva, Perhaps Mahasthamaprapta
North China; Tang period (618-906), early 8th century
Limestone with traces of pigment
H. 13 in. (33 cm)
Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art
1979.115
An elaborate coiffure with a small plaque in front of it indicates that this is the head of a bodhisattva. Bodhisattvas can often be identified by an image on such plaques although the painted image on this bodhisattva's plaque is ambiguous. If it represents a flaming jewel, then the head most likely belongs to a sculpture of the Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta, who, with Avalokiteshvara, was commonly depicted flanking representations of Amitabha Buddha in China and Japan. However, the image on the plaque also resembles a long-necked vase, which is an attribute of an unknown bodhisattva. The full cheeks and rosebud lips of this head typify the style of the Tang dynasty, one of the most important and long-lasting styles of Buddhist imagery to develop in China. During the Tang dynasty, China was a major world power, and in addition to trading ceramics and luxury goods to many parts of Asia, it was the source of Buddhism for Korea and Japan. As a result, sculptures in the style of this beautifully carved head were produced throughout Korea and Japan.
Home |  South Asia |  Himalaya |  Southeast Asia |  China & Mongolia |  Korea |  Japan
Treasures |  Guided Tour |  Timeline |  Search
About the Asia Society | The Rockefellers and the Asia Society | Site Map
Credits | ©Copyright 2007 Asia Society