Object Details
Catalogue Note
Dimensions: H 45.6 × W 23 cm | Weight: 15.5 kg | Material: grey-green fine-grained stone, provisionally argillite / argillaceous siltstone | Origin: China | Mudra: Anjali Mudra
A substantial Chinese Buddhist stone stele depicting a crowned Bodhisattva, probably Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), with the hands joined before the chest. The frontal composition, linear drapery and strongly weathered surface give the sculpture an archaic character.
Attribution
A Northern Dynasties date, possibly Northern Wei, 5th–6th century, remains a working attribution rather than a confirmed date. There is no dated inscription or early documented provenance. A later archaistic Chinese carving remains an important alternative.
Material and condition
The dense grey-green stone has a fine compact structure, layered weathering and local ochre iron-rich deposits. A simple acid test produced no visible reaction; this is only indicative and does not replace petrographic analysis. The surface shows old losses, erosion and locally fragile flaking.
Details
- Subject: crowned Bodhisattva, probably Guanyin
- Gesture: Anjali mudra
- Possible period: Northern Dynasties / Northern Wei, 5th–6th century, attribution only
- Provenance: Dutch private collection / Dutch art trade
- Condition: heavily weathered archaeological surface with old losses and local delamination
