Artwork preview

Head of a bodhisattva

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Head of a bodhisattva by unknown artist. The sculpture depicts a human head with a serene facial expression, eyes closed. The face has a smooth texture, with defined eyebrows, nose and lips. The head is adorned with a crown on top. The crown is intricately designed with geometric patterns and shapes. It features a central motif resembling a flame or teardrop shape with a circular opening at its center, flanked by curved elements. The crown's base has a repeating pattern of interconnected shapes. The sculpture appears to be made of stone or clay, with a weathered, earthy tone surface exhibiting patches of green, brown, and black discoloration. The head rests on a short, square white base. The background is a gradient transitioning from dark gray at the top to light gray at the bottom.

Artwork Details

Date
ca. 565–75
Medium
Limestone with pigment
Culture
China
Dimensions
469 × 625 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette