CHINA, TANG DYNASTY STONE STELE WITH BUDDHA

C. AD 618-907. Tang Dynasty. A cream-coloured, oval-shaped stone stele in high relief depicting a seated buddha. The central Buddha figure is depicted in a highly stylised manner; he is shown seated, and swaddled in a heavy robe, but identifiable due to the presence of his characteristic topknot (Ushnisha) and his pose (mudra) of meditation, known as the Dhyani, in which the back of the right hand rests on the upturned palm of the left. The top hand symbolizes enlightenment and the bottom hand, the world of appearances. Taken together, this arrangement suggests the supremacy of the enlightened mind. He is flanked by two standing attendants and two flying or leaping individuals, perhaps symbolising freedom from earthly concerns. Buddhism entered China as early as the Han Dynasty (late 3rd century BC-early 3rd century AD), and has played an important part in shaping the country’s art, politics, literature and philosophy. This exceptional piece embodies the importance of Buddha to Chinese culture and reflects the enormous amount of work invested by Tang craftsmen and would make a stunning centrepiece for any private collection. Good condition. Size: L:450mm / W:290mm ; 18.9kg. Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.