Northern Wei Brick from a Buddhist Shrine Circa 4th-6th century AD This clay brick, rectangular in shape is distinguished by its meticulously carved facade. Within this recessed panel the figure of Guanyin is carved below an orange drape and standing upon a plinth. Clad in a long robe painted in vivid red hues, Guanyin's hands are positioned in the Abhaya mudra, symbolizing fearlessness and protection. The figure's serene countenance, with white pigment on the face and highlighted red lips, exudes a sense of compassion and grace. Guanyin's head is accentuated by a halo of verdant green. The Northern Wei Dynasty, which spanned from 386 to 534 AD, marked a significant period in Chinese history. Established by Emperor Daowu, the dynasty emerged from the disintegration of the Jin Dynasty, consolidating power over northern China. This period witnessed a flourishing of Buddhist art and sculpture, contributing to the rich cultural and artistic legacy of China. Dimensions: 330mm x 160mm; weight 4.4kg Provenance: Private UK Ancient Art Collection formerly acquired on the UK, European, and USA Art Markets from pre-2000 Collections. Disclaimer: NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. All items will be shipped from Belgium. The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits. The seller will not ship outside the EU. Catawiki disclaimer: This piece has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.