Sui Dynasty, ca. 581-618 AD or later. A stone head of a Bodhisattva depicted with a regal headdress and elaborately coiffured hair, suggesting the importance and significance of this figure. The face is rendered with great attention to detail, with arched brows, heavily lidded, half-closed eyes, a bulbous nose, full lips, a rounded chin, and large, pendulous ears. Bodhisattvas were revered figures in Mahayana Buddhism, embodying the ideal of enlightenment and compassion. They are beings who have attained enlightenment but choose to remain in the earthly realm to help others achieve enlightenment. The Bodhisattva ideal emphasizes the importance of compassion and altruism in the pursuit of spiritual awakening. The Sui Dynasty was a crucial period in Chinese history, known for its unification of the northern and southern regions and the restoration of a centralized government. This era also saw the emergence of a distinctive style of Buddhist art, which fused elements of Indian, Central Asian, and Chinese traditions. This Bodhisattva head is a superb example of this artistic fusion, combining the sophistication of Chinese art with the spiritual depth of Buddhist symbolism.Size: L:240mm / W:175mm ; 5.74kgProvenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s in France; previously in 1970s European collection.