Page 147 - Christies IMportant Chinese Art Sept 26 2020 NYC

PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF LENORA AND WALTER F.
BROWN
1609
A CARVED MARBLE HEAD OF A BODHISATTVA
MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)
The face is carved with downcast eyes and a serene
expression. The hair is arranged in waves to form a high
coiffure, and is surmounted by a bird with its head resting
towards the deity's forehead and clutching a rosary in its
beak.
17Ω in. (44.4 cm.) high, metal stand
$5,000-7,000
PROVENANCE:
Roger Keverne, London, 2009.
The Lenora and Walter F. Brown Collection, San Antonio,
Texas.
EXHIBITED:
London, Roger Keverne, Fine and Rare Chinese Works of Art
and Ceramics - Summer Exhibition, June 2009.
LITERATURE:
Roger Keverne, Fine and Rare Chinese Works of Art and
Ceramics - Summer Exhibition, London, 2009, p. 70, no. 99.
The bird surmounting the hair bears tail feathers
resembling those of a peacock, which is often mentioned
in Buddhist texts and symbolizes wisdom and renewal.
Therefore, it is possible that the present head represents
that of the Peacock King, a former incarnation of
Shakyamuni. The Peacock King is one of the Wisdom
Kings, and is usually depicted as a female bodhisattva
riding on a peacock.

明 石雕佛首