Dimensions: Height 25 cm Wide 16 cm Depth 15 cm without base

Weight 10.001 grams with base

A powerful and finely carved sandstone head of a Lohan (Arhat): The head displays a serene yet vividly animated expression, with deeply modelled facial features, pronounced arched eyebrows, softly smiling lips, and heavy-lidded eyes conveying spiritual insight and quiet authority.

The sculptor has masterfully captured the individualised character typical of Ming dynasty Buddhist sculpture, moving beyond idealisation toward expressive realism. The ears are elongated in the Buddhist tradition, framing the face beneath a smoothly domed cranial form. The surface bears an attractive, time-worn patina with subtle erosion consistent with great age, enhancing the sculpture’s sense of presence and authenticity.

Originally part of a larger temple figure or architectural ensemble, such Lohan heads were revered as embodiments of enlightenment and guardians of Buddhist law. Surviving examples of this quality and expressive strength are increasingly rare.

Mounted on a custom stand, this sculpture stands as a compelling object of devotion, scholarship, and connoisseurship—equally suited to a refined private collection or institutional context.

For lots marked with (R), a 19% VAT is added to the combined hammer price and commission. This VAT is waived for:

- Private buyers outside the EU who officially export the items.
- Businesses inside the EU holding a valid VAT number, exporting to their home country.

Proper export documentation is required to waive the VAT