Page 63 - J.J. Lally Chinese Art CHRISTIE'S March 23 2023 NYC

(another view)

821 A LARGE RED SANDSTONE HEAD 宋ǭ紅⒬岩ד首
OF VAIROCANA
SONG DYNASTY (AD 960-1279) Ϝ源
藍理捷
紐約
The full face is carved with a small mouth and hooded eyes below
gracefully curved brows. The hair is delineated with rows of tight
curls and is surmounted by a crown carved in relief with three
figures representing the Buddhas of the past, present and future,
Vairocana is considered to be the Great Solar Buddha of Light
each seated on a lotus throne.
and Truth, and is the Bliss Body of the historical Buddha in
24 in. (60.1 cm.) high, composite stand Buddhist Law. Vairocana is also considered one of the Five Dhyani
Buddhas, also known as the Five Wisdom Tathagatas, which are
$18,000-20,000
representations of the five qualities of the Buddha. Unlike other
PROVENANCE: Buddhas, Vairocana is often depicted with an elaborate five-tiered
J. J. Lally & Co., New York. crown, as seen on the present Buddha.

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