SONG MING DYNASTY, 12TH - 15TH CENTURY

Compare the similar, but slightly larger (7¾ in.), painted stucco head, also with glass eyes and a similar brownish patina, dated to the Song dynasty, included in the sale of the A. W. Bahr Collection of Chinese Antiquities, American Art Association, Anderson Galleries, New York, 28 - 29 April 1939, lot 218. According to a note in the catalogue preceding lot 207, the painted stucco heads and figures comprising lots 207 - 229 were found in a cave temple in Henan province. Most appear to have glass eyes and realistic features, and are dated from the Tang to the Ming dynasty.