Live Auction 18823Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art
A CARVED MARBLE HEAD OF A BODHISATTVA
Lot 1609 PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF LENORA AND WALTER F. BROWN

A CARVED MARBLE HEAD OF A BODHISATTVA

MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)

Closed25 September 2020

Price Realised

USD 30,000

Considering selling a similar item?

Discover its value with a complimentary estimate from our specialists.

More Information

How to sell

A CARVED MARBLE HEAD OF A BODHISATTVA
MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)
The face is carved with downcast eyes and a serene expression. The hair is arranged in waves to form a high coiffure, and is surmounted by a bird with its head resting towards the deity's forehead and clutching a rosary in its beak.
17 ½ in. (44.4 cm.) high, metal stand

Roger Keverne, London, 2009.
The Lenora and Walter F. Brown Collection, San Antonio, Texas.

Specialist note


The bird surmounting the hair bears tail feathers resembling those of a peacock, which is often mentioned in Buddhist texts and symbolizes wisdom and renewal. Therefore, it is possible that the present head represents that of the Peacock King, a former incarnation of Shakyamuni. The Peacock King is one of the Wisdom Kings, and is usually depicted as a female bodhisattva riding on a peacock.