Country Group: China, Japan and Korea

Item id: 382

This is an authentic and spectacularly beautiful 6th century Chine stone Buddha head. UNLIKE 99 PERCENT OF THE STONE BUDDHA HEADS OFFERED ON THE INTERNET THIS ONE IS THE REAL THING. It was offered for sale at a high end Asian Art Butterfield and Butterield Auction in December 2000 and is shown in their catalogue from that sale (photos included below). Butterfield dated it as Northern Qi: they do not give a definitive date unless they are certain of the age and origin of the piece (unlike this piece, many items are sold with the added word "style" after the period of the piece, which means that they are not sure of the dating). It is a very good size close to 5 inches high by 11 inches in circumference. (it is round and heavy, and more massive than the dimensions suggest). It is on a vintage base that could eventually use to be replaced. It is in excellent condition, with no repairs that I can see. Based on the opening in the back of the head, it was originally attached to something. The countenance is extremely serene and powerful. This is not my usual kind of piece. I was struck by the intense feeling of the face and couldn't resist. Also, I wanted to own one authentic early Chinese stone Buddha head so I could learn what the real thing looked and felt like. In the Butterfield's auction it had an auction estimate of 1500 to 2500 not including their 17 percent premium.