Buddhism for the Sui

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Anarchy reigned in China since the fall of the Han, when a general of the North managed to conquer the kingdoms of the South, founding the Sui Dynasty. Realizing that military dominance was not sufficient to ensure the cohesion of the Empire, he converted to the religion that was already usual in the territories that he had conquered: Buddhism.

The Sui dynasty failed to maintain, but its social and cultural contributions prepared the prosperity of their successors, the Tang.

On June 11 in Paris, Sotheby's is selling a Sui figure, which represents an early witness of Chinese Buddhism. 1400 years old, 1.40 m high, in gray limestone, it shows a standing Buddha. The half closed eyes and the mouth that initiates a smile reflect serenity. The front is marked by the urna, the third eye of gods and saints which symbolizes knowledge. It is estimated 500 K €.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

This statue was sold 730 K € premium included, in the upper range of estimates. This price is logical for an archaeological rarity, especially since this example was large.