In the Fifth Year of the Reign of Wuping

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Today we go deep into the history of China up to a time of great chaos. China was divided into five main kingdoms that were fighting one another. The emperors were weak and superstitious, their followers were agitated and corrupt.

On September 14 in New York, Christie's sells a Buddhist votive stele in limestone. This monument is dedicated to the parents of the benefactor, and dated on the third month of the fifth year of King Wuping of the Northern Qi dynasty. It is exceptional that such an early work is so accurately dated.

Since immemorial time, most peoples were recording their calendar according to the reign years of their kings. We are here in the year 574 of the current reference calendar.

This cubic stele, 84 cm high, takes the form of a two parts pagoda topped with a tiled roof. Its four sides are ornated with niches carved with scenes showing Buddha and his disciples. This object is truly characteristic of its time, because this type of stele was already out of fashion during the Sui dynasty. I have described in my previous article in this group how the Sui used Buddhism to strengthen their domination over the whole of China.

Our beautiful survivor of the dark ages is estimated 70 K$.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Sold $ 68 K cost included. A price slightly below the estimate, showing that this historically interesting lot did not generate passions. This is not surprising for such an atypical piece. I'm glad it was sold.