A Chinese Stone Buddha Head

Probably Tang dynasty (618-907), carved stone with traces of polychrome pigments, the Buddha depicted with a serene, meditative expression, downcast eyes beneath gently high arched brows, softly modeled lips, wide face, and elongated earlobes, the hair delineated in rhythmic incised pinwheel style waves gathered beneath a flatten ushnisha, mounted raised on a later stand.

DOA 8 1/4 x 6 x 6 in., Head only 5 1/4 x 4 x 4 1/4 in.

From the Collection of John and Sandra Christian, III, of New York, San Francisco, and Richmond

John Wortham Christian III (1951–2023) of Richmond, Virginia, was a lifelong traveler and collector whose appreciation for the arts and cultures of Asia developed through decades of international travel. After graduating from Duke University, Christian began his career with Bloomingdale’s in New York, where his work as a buyer and later Vice President of Contemporary Apparel took him extensively throughout Europe, Far East Asia, Southeast Asia, and India in search of emerging designers, artisans, and traditional crafts.

He later moved to San Francisco to join I. Magnin, eventually serving as Vice President and General Merchandise Manager. Travel remained a defining passion throughout his life. Christian and his wife, Sandra, sought out destinations well beyond the conventional tourist routes, traveling extensively in Asia and the Himalayas, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia. These journeys fostered their enduring interest in the art, craftsmanship, and material cultures of the countries they visited.

Good condition; a small break with loss to left eye.

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