CHINESE, NORTHERN WEI TERRACOTTA TILE WITH BUDDHA - TL TESTED
Ca. 386-534 AD.
A grey pottery tile is rectangular in shape, with a recess on one face. It features a relief depiction of a seated Buddha under a chaitya arch. The Buddha is shown in the Royal Ease pose, which is characterized by one leg crossed over the other, with the hand resting on the knee. His right hand is in the Abhaya mudra, a gesture of fearlessness and protection. His head is surrounded by a blue-painted halo. Pottery tiles like these were often used in ancient China as architectural decorations for Buddhist temples and other religious structures. They were placed on walls, pillars, and doorways, and were used to convey religious and spiritual messages to the faithful. This piece has been precisely dated by means of a Thermo Luminescence analysis carried out by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. The TL certificate with its full report will accompany this lot.
Size: L:320mm / W:185mm ; 6.39kg
Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.

Estimate: GBP 300 - 500