Details
Description
This extraordinary pair of "Heroic" scale cast iron heads represents a rare survival of monumental Buddhist temple statuary from the …
Read more
This extraordinary pair of "Heroic" scale cast iron heads represents a rare survival of monumental Buddhist temple statuary from the Ming Dynasty. Standing at an impressive 34 inches (86 cm), these heads depict the two Great Bodhisattvas of the "Western Pure Land" triad—traditionally Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin) and Mahāsthāmaprāpta (Dashizhi).
Cast in heavy, thick-walled iron, the heads exhibit the serene, mask-like features characteristic of the high-Ming style, including downcast, almond-shaped eyes, pendulous earlobes, and a tranquil, enigmatic smile. Both figures are adorned with elaborate "Five Buddha" diadems (crowns), intricately cast with triads of seated Amitābha figures nestled within flaming mandorlas and cloud-form scrollwork.
Acquired in the mid-20th century, these fragments were professionally mounted on custom-designed tiered hardwood bases between the 1930s and 1950s. Notably, the bases feature bespoke incisions hand-scribed to perfectly accommodate the unique, jagged "neck-break" of each individual casting. This high-level "gallery mounting" ensures a secure, gravity-locked display for their significant mass (each weighing hundreds of pounds) and confirms their long-standing status as significant archaeological treasures in a private collection.
Period: Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
Material: Cast Iron with oxidized patina; custom hardwood bases.
Height: 34 inches (86.4 cm) including mounts.
Weight: Several hundred pounds per head.
Condition: Excellent "as-found" archaeological condition. Expected surface oxidation and pitting consistent with age and material. No modern repairs to the iron.
See less
- Dimensions
- 20ʺW × 15ʺD × 42ʺH
- Styles
- Asian Antique
- Japanese
- Art Subjects
- Figure
- Period
- Mid 19th Century
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Iron
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Black
Questions about the item?
Returns & Cancellations
Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.
Related Collections
- Mario Lopez Torres Sculpture
- Lime Sculpture
- Klaus Ihlenfeld Sculpture
- Chaim Gross Sculpture
- Polycarbonate Sculpture
- Post Impressionist Sculpture
- Peter Shire Sculpture
- Eugenio Pattarino Sculpture
- Georgian Sculpture
- Copeland Sculpture
- Mathurin Moreau Sculpture
- Hagenauer Werkstätte Sculpture
- Maison Jansen Sculpture
- Photorealism Sculpture
- Loredano Rosin Sculpture
- Renato Anatra Sculpture
- Austin Productions Sculpture
- Mid-Century Modern Sculpture
- Brutalist Sculpture
- Folk Art Sculpture
- Nude Sculptures
- Alabaster Sculpture
- Jade Sculpture
- Large Sculptures
- Isamu Noguchi Sculpture