Impressive and magnificent pair of sculptures in carved and gilded stone with remnants of polychrome. They rest on conical bases that rest on lotus flower petals, all equally carved in stone. They have a polished finish, both front and back, indicating the extraordinary quality of the pieces. Both in the posture of Protection (Abhaya Mudra), represented by a raised hand, a symbol of the elimination of fear and insecurity, with a gesture of tranquility. The serene faces stand out, visible by the closed eyelids and the slight smile; the elegance and movement are remarkable. The sculptures represent a step towards realism, with expressions that convey emotions and more natural human proportions.
The robustness and treatment of the clothing (executed incisively in bas-relief) are aspects that relate these figures to those of the Qi or Wei period, within the Six Dynasties, although their greater elegance in gestures and movements are already characteristic of the Tang dynasty. The richness of detail is especially palpable in the Bodhisattva, from the clothing to the ornaments; the folds of the clothes are carved with great precision, which adds a sense of movement and fluidity.
The Shanghai Museum, the British Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York all house works from this period comparable to our pair of sculptures. In particular, the 6th-century Bodhisattva in carved stone with inventory number “Asia OA 1961.7-18.1”.
Condition: Very good condition.
