SUI-TANG DYNASTY (AD581-907), 6TH-7TH CENTURY

The depiction of Buddha seen in this gilt-bronze figure is seen in other gilt-bronze figures that were often part of large gilt-bronze votive assemblages or altars, as well as in larger figures in stone. The dyhanasana pose, the position of the hands, the simple monk's robes that fall in graceful folds around the body, the style of the hair and ushnisha, and the shape and expression of the face are emblematic of these votive figures made during the Tang period. For three other figures of similar type, see Matsubara Saburo, Chugoku Bukkyo Chokokushi ron (The Path of Chinese Buddhist Sculpture), vol. 3, Tokyo, 1995, pl. 709 a, b, c, as well as the figure illustrated in pl. 643 b. See, also, the altar group centered by a similar figure with an openwork aureole behind the head, but seated on a different type of base, which is flanked by two miniature guardian figures, all raised on a stand, in the British Museum, illustrated in Comprehensive Illustrated Catalogue of Chinese Buddhist Statues in Overseas Collections, vol. 4, Beijing, 2005, pl. 878, where it is dated Tang dynasty.