北齊 彩繪石雕菩薩頭像|Head of a bodhisattva

Art Historical Context

This striking *Head of a Bodhisatt*, carved during the Northern Qi dynasty (550–577), captures the spiritual essence of Buddhist devotion in mid-6th-century China. Dating to around 565–75, it hails from a turbulent era when northern rulers fervently patronized Buddhism, commissioning grand sculptures for temples and caves. Northern Qi art often featured serene, compassionate figures like bodhisattvas—enlightened beings who delay nirvana to aid others—reflecting Mahayana ideals of universal salvation. Crafted from limestone and originally adorned with vibrant pigments, this polychrome sculptur...