By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our Cookie Policy unless you have disabled them. You can change your Cookie Settings at any time but parts of our site will not function correctly without them.

 Reject
  • Limestone carving of an Apsaras

    Fiftieth Anniversary Exhibition

    4 November - 30 November, 2010

    Twelve Masterpieces of Chinese Art, of Porcelain, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Stone, from the 10th century BC to the Yongzheng reign (1723-1735).

    Limestone carving of an Apsaras

    Northern Wei period, early 6th century

    This sculpture is of an apsaras, or heavenly being in a lively pose, wearing the floating garments that denote it would have been positioned as 'flying', carved out of the high wall or ceiling of a cave temple.  It was almost certainly carved for one of the Northern Wei Buddhist cave temples at Longmen where work began in the very late fifth century. 

    Height: 54.5cm