C. AD 618-907. Tang Dynasty. Stone head of Buddha with characteristic elaborate coiffured, two-tiered black “snail-shell” hair curls ornamented with a red spiralling jewel. The Buddha’s full face is gilded with a red painted urna in the centre of the forehead, and large pendant ears hang from the sides. The lightly closed eyes and small hooked nose complement the thick, rich red lips and modest chin. This beautiful piece may originally have formed part of a larger statue or statuette. Buddhism entered China as early as the Han Dynasty (late 3rd century BC-early 3rd century AD), and has played an important part in shaping the country’s art, politics, literature and philosophy. This beautiful stone head embodies the importance of Buddha to Chinese culture and reflects the enormous amount of work invested by Tang craftsmen. It would make a stunning centrepiece to any modern collection. Good condition; on a custom stand. Size: L:530mm / W:380mm (w/o stand); 73kg. Provenance: From an old Sumerset collection of Asian Art formed in the 1980s/1990s.