C. AD 618-907. Tang Dynasty. Marble head of Buddha with elaborate coiffured hair curls. He is characterised by his arched brow, heavily lidded, half-closed eyes, a bulbous nose, full lips, rounded chin and large, pendulous ears. An urna is depicted in the centre of the forehead This beautiful piece may originally have formed part of a larger statue or statuette. Buddhism entered China as early as the Han Dynasty (late 3rd century BC-early 3rd century AD), and has played an important part in shaping the country’s art, politics, literature and philosophy. This beautiful stone head embodies the importance of Buddha to Chinese culture and reflects the enormous amount of work invested by Tang craftsmen. Buddhism entered China as early as the Han Dynasty (late 3rd century BC-early 3rd century AD), and has played an important part in shaping the country’s art, politics, literature and philosophy. This exceptional piece embodies the importance of Buddha to Chinese culture and reflects the enormous amount of work invested by Tang craftsmen. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Provenance: Private London collection of Asian Art; formerly in an old British collection. Acquired in Hong Kong in the early 1990s. Size: L:with stand: 600mm / W:280mm ; 36kg