HEAD OF DIVINITY

This incomplete carving belongs to a divinity of Taoist or Confucian origin. The absence of iconographic features on the face and the fact that it cannot be studied as part of a complete image makes it difficult to catalog it. At first glance it maintains the model of Buddhist divinities, with an expression of serenity and spiritual complacency, marked by the gaze and the barely outlined smile. However, two of the basic attributes of these images, the urn or circular sign between the eyebrows and the unisha or bun with which the Buddhist divinities gather their hair at the nape of the neck, appear clearly distorted. In this case, the hair is gathered in a bun and this is covered with a small tiara, crossed by a pin, from which the central knot protrudes, characteristic of the ancient clothing of the literati. I.C.F. / Extracted from: Isabel CERVERA FERNÁNDEZ: Fundación Rodríguez-Acosta. Asian Art Collection. Granada, 2002.