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Antique Chinese stone Buddha statue / before the 19th century / Tathagata

$1,500
£1,143.45
€1,306.30
CA$2,110.71
A$2,311.88
CHF 1,217.21
MX$27,591.56
NOK 15,512.21
SEK 14,180.50
DKK 9,761.55

About the Item

This is a seated stone Buddha statue believed to have been made in China. While its date of creation is unclear, the weathering of the stone surface, surface wear, and texture formed over time suggest it likely dates to before the 19th century. Its sculptural features differ from those of Japanese and Korean stone Buddhas, suggesting it was originally made in China and brought to Japan sometime before or during the war. Facial features clearly reveal the firm brow lines, slightly narrow, downcast eyes, and slightly pursed lips often found in Chinese stone Buddhas. The overall appearance exudes a sense of sternness and serenity, exuding an introspective, meditative atmosphere without overtly expressing emotion. It shares many elements with the Chinese stone Buddhas we've seen so far, providing a key insight into this work. This statue is of a being known as "Tathagata," which in Buddhism refers to a being who has attained full enlightenment. Like Shaka Nyorai and Amitabha Nyorai, this statue represents the ideal Buddha who guides people. Its simple appearance, lacking any ornaments, calm expression, and stable seated posture are characteristic of this statue. The unadorned drapery and serene seated posture of this work demonstrate its faithful adherence to the basic aesthetics of a Buddha statue. The overall proportions are exceptionally well-balanced, with the slightly elevated base being particularly striking. This creates the visual effect of the entire statue being raised, elevating it to a greater degree than its actual size. Despite its small size, this statue's overall balance, including the base, is what allows it to function as a dignified "statue" in its natural setting. While there is some chipping near the edge of the underside of the base, it is not visible when viewed from the front and does not detract from its appeal as an interior décor piece. No other major chips or significant damage are apparent, and the statue is in excellent condition considering its age. The stone surface exhibits natural wear and color changes over the years, creating a rich expression that could never be artificially reproduced. Another intriguing feature of this piece is that it appears to lean slightly forward when viewed from the side. Rather than being a distortion, it is highly likely that it was intentionally carved at an angle, with the gaze of those worshiping from below in mind. Buddhist statues were originally meant to be worshipped from a position where one looks up, and designing them so that one's eyes naturally meet the Buddha's is a long-standing practice in both China and Japan. This piece is an example of this religious consideration reflected in its design. The size is neither too large nor too small, making it suitable for a variety of locations, such as an entryway, a living room shelf, a study, or a collection room. Yet it still commands a strong presence when placed in a space, providing a quiet center of gravity that adds a sense of unity. Small Chinese stone Buddhas are rare on the market, and one with both its perfect condition and atmosphere is especially rare. This stone Buddha has survived through time, passing through different cultures. It is an object of worship, but also highly appealing as a sculpture and a space-adding element. It is a highly recommended item. Size: W 16.2cm x D 10cm x H 40.5cm Weight: 8.15kg Product Number: SC148
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 15.95 in (40.5 cm)Width: 6.38 in (16.2 cm)Depth: 3.94 in (10 cm)
  • Style:
    Qing (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    before the 19th century
  • Condition:
    While there is some chipping near the edge of the underside of the base, it is not visible when viewed from the front and does not detract from its appeal as an interior décor piece.
  • Seller Location:
    Sammu-shi, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5487247960812

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