18th Century Rare Finely Molded Terracotta Luohan Head China Qing Dynasty

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A rare fired-clay (terracotta) head of a Luohan with an expressive face circa 18th century or earlier of Chinese Qing … Read more A rare fired-clay (terracotta) head of a Luohan with an expressive face circa 18th century or earlier of Chinese Qing Dynasty. Luohans (also known as Arhats) are followers and disciples of Buddha who achieved the enlightenment in their lifetimes. Beginning in the ninth century, the Chinese worship of Luohan and their depiction in art evolved primarily in the context of the Chan (Zen) sect of Buddhism. Statues of Arhats are always found in the Buddhist temple, sometimes up to five hundreds, surrounding the Buddha. In Chinese Buddhism culture, some of them come with colorful stories that reflected in their body, face and accoutrements held in their hands. Most survived pieces were carved in stone and wood, due to the nature of the materials, stoneware such as stucco, terracotta and ceramic are less common.
This terracotta head is molded with a very expressive facial expression that appears to be an exaggerated laugh but could also be a grimace of good nature. Left with a natural clay surface, the smooth bald head (as Luohans were depicted traditionally) contrast with the raised bushy eyebrows and folded wrinkle lines on the face, creating an earthy ambience with quite a humorous imagery. The square opening under the neck indicates how the head was attached to the body by using wood core.
The piece is conservatively dated to 18th century Qing dynasty but is possibly much older in Ming Dynasty.
Nicely presented on a tall dark wood base custom-made with step details. The head measures 11.25 inches high and is not permanently fixed to the vase and will be packed separately for shipping.
Reference: for a much earlier stone Luohan head with a laughing expression, see 60.73.1 in the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art.
For a glazed pottery Luohan head with a laughing face see lot 67 in Bonham sale Fine Chinese Art May 17th, 2018. See less