A Chinese Carved Stone Buddha Head

Probably Tang dynasty (618-907), carved stone with surviving polychrome and gilt decoration, the Buddha depicted with a serene, meditative expression, downcast eyes beneath gently arched brows, softly modeled lips, and elongated earlobes, the hair delineated in rhythmic incised pinwheel style waves gathered beneath a prominent ushnisha, traces of gilt and dark and reddish pigments remain across the face and hair, mounted on a later carved hardwood stand.

Head only 9 1/2 x 6 5/8 x 5 1/2 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.

For similar Buddha heads dating to the Tang dynasty, see Head of Buddha at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (30.38), Sotheby's, Hong Kong, November 26, 2024, Lot 3814, and Bonhams, November 6, 2025, Lot 127.


Good condition; some surface wear and abrasions.