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Tang Dynasty Buddhist votive tablet
stock number: 1669
price: $600.USD/$4600.HKD
description:
Exceptionally rare Buddhist molded clay tablet from the Tang or possibly earlier. The sensuous curves of the attendant Bodhisattvas flanking the Buddha shows the obvious Indian influence on early Chinese Buddhist art, the Buddha holds his hand in the Dharma chakra mudra (teaching gesture) indicates there may have been a Tibetan influence as well. At one time the Tibetans held quite a bit of influence on the Tang and went as far as installing a “puppet” on the Tang Imperial throne. The two holes in the piece indicate this was probably part a “Thousand Buddha Wall” in some Buddhist grotto. I found this piece along with another (but bought only this one), in the bazaar behind the Grand Mosque in Xian around 1988. Haven’t seen any others since then. There is an interesting impression on the obverse side that as near as I can figure, is a Mandarin duck, I don’t have the vaguest clue why this symbol of marital happiness is there or what it has to do with Buddhism. The features are worn and there is a chip on the upper right corner- to be expected from a 1000 year pottery piece exposed to the elements. Actual size of tablet is 7.5cm x 6cm, included is museum quality perspex stand.
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