Stone Sculpture - 22 cm
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 1,000 - € 1,300
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Description from the seller
Shipped only to Europe!
Head of a dignitary
Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
16th–17th century, China
Stone sculpture, with traces of polychromy and gilding
Height (excluding base): 16 cm
Height (with base): 22 cm
This stone sculpture head represents a dignitary, an official figure, or a deity from a Taoist temple, identified by the ornate headdress he wears. The sculpture captures a serene and gentle expression, characteristic of Buddhist and Taoist art from the middle to the late Ming period. The eyes are stretched and slightly narrowed, sketching a faint smile on the full lips.
The figure is crowned with a crown adorned with stylized geometric and floral motifs. At the front, two rectangular elements, like plaques, rise above the main headband, framing a central circular or lobed motif.
The work retains significant traces of its original polychrome finish and gilding, though the surface is heavily eroded and altered. The white preparatory underlayer is visible beneath the red color that dominates the surface of the face. The headdress shows more varied residues, including green and blue pigments, as well as scraps of gold leaf still adherent to the frontal band and ornamental details, testifying to its former splendor.
Condition: The stone is a soft sandstone variety. Erosion has softened the features, particularly the nose, and the edges of the break at the neck level and at the back of the headdress are visible, indicating that this head came from a larger statue. The head is presented on a modern, minimalist black metal display base, raising it to a height of 22 cm. A modern hole has been drilled at the base of the neck to fix the mounting rod.
This piece constitutes a precious example of polychrome stone religious sculpture from the Ming dynasty, preserving traces of the precious materials used for its decoration.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal.
Shipped with UPS and insurance
Shipped only to Europe!
Head of a dignitary
Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
16th–17th century, China
Stone sculpture, with traces of polychromy and gilding
Height (excluding base): 16 cm
Height (with base): 22 cm
This stone sculpture head represents a dignitary, an official figure, or a deity from a Taoist temple, identified by the ornate headdress he wears. The sculpture captures a serene and gentle expression, characteristic of Buddhist and Taoist art from the middle to the late Ming period. The eyes are stretched and slightly narrowed, sketching a faint smile on the full lips.
The figure is crowned with a crown adorned with stylized geometric and floral motifs. At the front, two rectangular elements, like plaques, rise above the main headband, framing a central circular or lobed motif.
The work retains significant traces of its original polychrome finish and gilding, though the surface is heavily eroded and altered. The white preparatory underlayer is visible beneath the red color that dominates the surface of the face. The headdress shows more varied residues, including green and blue pigments, as well as scraps of gold leaf still adherent to the frontal band and ornamental details, testifying to its former splendor.
Condition: The stone is a soft sandstone variety. Erosion has softened the features, particularly the nose, and the edges of the break at the neck level and at the back of the headdress are visible, indicating that this head came from a larger statue. The head is presented on a modern, minimalist black metal display base, raising it to a height of 22 cm. A modern hole has been drilled at the base of the neck to fix the mounting rod.
This piece constitutes a precious example of polychrome stone religious sculpture from the Ming dynasty, preserving traces of the precious materials used for its decoration.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal.
Shipped with UPS and insurance
Details
Era
1400-1900
Over 200 years old
Yes
Country of origin
China
Material
Stone
Title of artwork
Tête de dignitaire - 16/17th c.
Dynastic style/period
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
Signature
Not signed
Provenance
Private collection
Condition
Good condition
Sold with stand
Yes
Height
22 cm
Width
14 cm
Depth
11 cm
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
