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Oct 223 min read

Buddhist sculptures in China

Updated: Oct 30

Buddhist sculpture in China, at the crossroads of religion, art and politics, is one of the country's greatest artistic legacies. Since the introduction of Buddhism in the 1st century AD, this body of sculpture has evolved by fusing foreign influences, notably Indian and Gandharian, with purely Chinese styles. These remarkably diverse and complex sculptures bear witness to the Chinese spiritual quest, the interaction between cultures and the transformative power of religious art.

Standing Buddha, gilded lacquered wood, China, 18th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €4,700

Buddhism, which originated in India in the 6th century BC, spread across Asia via the Silk Road, reaching China under the Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD). This introduction of Buddhism marked a turning point in Chinese religious and cultural history. Until then, Chinese religious practices had been dominated mainly by Confucianism and Taoism. With the arrival of Buddhism, new forms of religious and artistic expression appeared.


The first sculpted representations of Buddha, influenced by Indian models, reveal striking similarities with the styles of Gandharian art, a school of art at the crossroads of Greek, Persian and Indian influences. In this early period, Buddha is depicted with fine features, a meditative face and flowing drapery reminiscent of classical Greek statues. It was a time when Buddhas were still rarely Chinese in appearance, but this situation was soon to change as the religion took root in Chinese society.



Maitreya Buddha, gilt bronze, China, Northern Wei (386-534), kept at the MET in New York

The Sinicisation of Buddhist art really began under the Northern Wei dynasty (AD 386-534), at a time when Buddhism was becoming a major spiritual force. The Wei emperors, of non-Chinese origin (Xianbei), adopted and encouraged Buddhism as a means of legitimising their power and unifying their divided kingdom. The Yungang caves, near Datong, are a masterpiece of this period.


The Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) was undoubtedly the most prosperous period for Buddhist art in China. During this period, Buddhism achieved unprecedented popularity, enjoying the support of the elite and the imperial court. Buddha sculptures from the Tang period are characterised by their monumentality and formal perfection. The Buddha was no longer just a meditative figure; he became an embodiment of universal harmony.


Under the Tang, Buddhist art also incorporated elements of everyday life. Bodhisattvas, enlightened beings destined for Buddhahood, were depicted with sumptuous jewellery and refined clothing, reflecting both their spiritual nature and the influence of aristocratic court fashions.

Seated Buddha in dhyanasana meditation, gilt bronze, Tang dynasty (618 - 907), appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €131,000


Under the Song dynasty (960-1279), Buddhism in China suffered a relative retreat in the face of the rise of neo-Confucianism, but Buddhist art continued to evolve. Sculptures became smaller, intended primarily for private veneration. This introspection reflected the more contemplative atmosphere of the Song period, when art sought to express the subtlety of spiritual experience rather than monumental grandeur. Buddha sculptures in bronze, lacquered wood and jade bear witness to refined craftsmanship, with fine lines and meditative postures.


The Mongol invasion and the founding of the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368) did not interrupt the tradition. Although the Mongols were themselves followers of Tibetan Buddhism, Buddhist art continued to flourish in China under the Yuan. Sculptures from this period often incorporated Tibetan elements, particularly in the representations of tantric deities, further extending the range of artistic forms.


The Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) periods saw a revival of Buddhist art, albeit in a more institutionalised form. Buddha sculptures from this period, particularly in bronze and jade, became veritable objects of devotion. Under the Ming, imperial workshops produced Buddhas that were smaller in size but of remarkable technical perfection. Qing Buddhist art, meanwhile, opened up to influences from Tibet, consolidating the geographical and spiritual spread of Buddhism in China.

Guanyin, gilt bronze, China, Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644), appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €36,000


Today, interest in Buddhist sculptures continues to grow, among collectors and art lovers alike. The Asian art market, in particular, places great value on these works, which are steeped in history and spirituality. For those who own or wish to acquire such sculptures, Gauchet Art Asiatique, a recognised expert in the field, offers free appraisal and valuation services. With extensive experience in Asian art, we can authenticate, estimate the value and trace the origin of ancient Buddhist sculptures. Whether you want to appraise a rare piece or simply obtain information about the history of the work, Gauchet Art Asiatique makes its expertise available to art lovers and collectors.




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