Gold repousse headdress ornament of standing Buddhist figure

Historical period(s)
Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century
Medium
Gold with gemstones
Dimensions
H x W x D: 9.3 x 5.6 x 1 cm (3 11/16 x 2 3/16 x 3/8 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1946.3
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jewelry and Ornament, Metalwork
Type

Headdress ornament

Keywords
Buddha, Buddhism, China, mandorla, Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644), prayer beads, urna
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

This plaque was probably made for an elaborate headdress, following a Ming dynasty fashion for wearing Buddhist figures and images of immortals because of their protective power. The gold sheet renders the color of the skin shining like gold that is believed to be one of the thirty-two traits marking the Buddha.

Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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