The Northern Wei dynasty was founded in 386 by a nomadic people of Turkish origin, the Tuobas. Quickly assimilating Chinese culture, the Tuobas emperors lean on the Buddhist clergy to shine culturally. During the reign of the Northern Wei emperors, three major cave sites were founded, most notably at Yungang in the Shanxi region.
The Buddhist art of the Northern Wei, solemn and majestic, possesses the force of Tribal art. In many ways, it can be compared to Romanesque art in the West.
This face exhibits extremely stylized features. The headdress, simply treated, is surmounted by a large round ushnisha. Incised in the stone are thin eyebrows that meet above the bridge of the nose. The delicately incised eyes, forming crescent moons, are half-closed as in deep meditation. The V-shaped lips end in discreet dimples. The lower lips, small and well-hemmed, are, along with the oval of the face, the only sensual features that the artist has allowed himself. The expression of the smile is sweet and caring. The massive ears, simply sculpted, are typical of that time.
The sculptor paid particular attention to the surface and angles of the sculpture so that the shadows cast upon it would bring it to life.


Similar pieces can be found in:
1. Pl. XVIII, pp. 23 – 25, Alan Priest, Chinese sculptures in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1944
2. A bodhisattva presenting a similar face is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) under the stock number 48.162.2

Condition report
Small accidents and losses.

Provenance : Former collection Edouard des Courières (1896 – 1987)
According to family history, former collection Vignier