Head of an attendant bodhisattva
Both the Eastern Wei (535–50) and the Northern Qi dynasties were ruled from a capital at Ye (presentday Linzhang) in southern Hebei province; both sponsored the construction of new cave temples. The complex built at Xiangtangshan (not far from the capital) dates from the Northern Qi period. It consists of two sites: the three enormous cave temples at the top of the mountain are known as Northern Xiangtangshan, while an additional seven smaller shrines, about nine miles to the south, are known as Southern Xiangtangshan. This head comes from the southern site, which was constructed slightly later.
Artwork Details
- 北齊 彩繪石雕菩薩頭像
- Title: Head of an attendant bodhisattva
- Period: Northern Qi dynasty (550–577)
- Date: ca. 565–75
- Culture: China
- Medium: Limestone with pigment
- Dimensions: H. 15 in. (38.1 cm); W. 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm); D. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1914
- Object Number: 14.50
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
ca. early 8th century
China
ca. 550–560
China
early 7th century
China
dated 524 (5th year of Zhengguang reign)
China
ca. 565–75
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