Tang Dynasty Light Green Stone Buddhist Triad Group

$877.76

An extremely fine Chinese green stone Buddhist Triad group sculpture, dating from the Tang Dynasty period. The three figures, standing on a trilobate podium, are similarly modelled, with the central one slightly bigger than the two siding it. The central figure is the Buddha Gautama, the Enlightened One, sided by the two bodhisattvas Avalokiteśvara and Kṣitigarbha. They are all similarly dressed, wearing headpiece and long robes reaching their ankles. They all wear a decorated collar and their robes are finely detailed with carvings showing the folds and drops of their garments. They display different mudras, ritualistic poses or hand gestures which hold a symbolic meaning in Buddhism. Their facial detailing is very delicately rendered, with prominent eyebrows, almond shaped eyes and soft lips beautifully carved in the stone. 

Date: Circa 618-906 AD
Period: Tang Dynasty
Provenance: The C. Roger Moss OBE collection. The late C. Roger Moss OBE was a renowned art collector who, throughout the years, thanks to his determination and enthusiasm, was able to create an outstanding collection of artworks, most prominently from China and the Orient, but also from other cultures.
Condition: Very fine, hands missing from two figures. The stone is in very good condition. The item is mounted on a custom-made stand.

SOLD

SKU: CS-172 Category: Tags: , ,

This iconographic motif is also named the Saha Triad, as it represents the three leading figures in the Saha world, which in Mahāyāna Buddhism refers to the mundane world, all the existence outside of the Nirvana. In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is any person who is on the path towards Buddhahood, which is the rank or condition of an “awaken one”, a Buddha. The bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha, whose name is translatable in “Earth Treasury”, “Earth Store” or “Earth Womb”, is known for his vow to take responsibility for the instruction of all beings, as well as his oath not to achieve Buddhahood until all hells are emptied. Avalokiteśvara, also named Padmapani, is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. Avalokitesvara is variably portrayed, described and depicted in different cultures as either male or female.

To discover more about the Roger Moss Collection, visit our Provenance Collection Page.

Weight 2000 g
Dimensions H 20 cm
Culture

Chinese Ideology

Region