This beautiful head of bodhisattva is characteristic of statuary under the Sui dynasty. The face, rounder than those from the Northern Qi, proclaims this sensuality found later in the Tang dynasty. The almost closed eyelids bring a sense of extreme contemplation and a great internal joy. The small and fine nose frames a delicately well-drawn mouth. The eyebrows are etched in a sweeping movement from the nose to the temples. The tiara with floral motifs highlights the styled hair in large curls which fall to the upper forehead.

Reference :

A similar head of Bodhisattva is published in:
- Osvald Sirén “Chinese sculpture from the fifth to the fourteenth century”, vol. II, SDI Publications, Thailand, 1998, plate 304 - B.

Provenance : Collection of Henriette and Paul G. Ecker acquired before 1968.