Stone: sculpture

One light tan carved stone head with a prominent hairpiece large ears and small facial features placed on a red-brown carved wood base that resembles the upper torso of a figure standing with its arms by its sides. The front of the base exhibits a carved strap that extends from upper left to lower right. The stone head is noticeably chipped and worn whilst the wooden base is nearly pristine.

Rewi Alley

Museum records vary as to where this head was discovered, either a cave near Quzhou in Zhejiang province, or Shandong province. Alley believed it as dating from the Eastern Wei Dynasty (534-550AD), although, despite damage to the head, there appear to be stylistic differences to Eastern Wei sculpture. Gifted to Canterbury Museum by Alley in 1937 during a visit to New Zealand. In 1956, loaned to the Rewi Alley Chinese Art and Crafts Exhibition, held at the Provincial Council Chambers, Christchurch.

47x53x67mm (l x w x h)

E137.78
19XX.1.1069

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