East Asia, China, Song Dynasty, ca. 960 to 1279 CE. A clay brick from a Chinese temple with a beautiful depiction of the Buddha standing upon a lotus pedestal and holding his hands in a combination of the Varada mudra of charity and compassion with the Abhaya mudra of fearlessness - this combination known as Segan Semui (or Yogan Semui-in in Japan). The carving of the Buddha is delineated in relief and set within a recessed arch in the body of the brick. Buddha is depicted with a serene face, a large ushnisha, characteristically elongated earlobes, and billowing robes. The figure also presents attractive remaining pigment - black pigment on the ushnisha, red pigment on his robes, and bright green and red pigment on the lotus pedestal - while traces of grey grace the surrounding brick. Size: 5.5" W x 12.5" H (14 cm x 31.8 cm) The Varuda mudra symbolizes charity, compassion, and the granting of blessings - used to signify the devotion of oneself to human salvation. Most often it is made with the left hand, with the palm facing forward, and all five fingers extended. The five fingers symbolize generosity, morality, patience, effort, and meditative concentration. This mudra is usually used in combination with the Abhaya mudra of protection, peace, reassurance, and dispelling of fear; Abhaya meaning fearlessness. The right hand is raised to the shoulder with the palm facing outward and the fingers joined and pointing upward. During the Song Dynasty, China expanded its trade along the Silk Road and South and Central Asian Buddhist proselytizers brought many sculptures and paintings of the Buddha into the country. This depiction of the Buddha represents a blend of Chinese art styles with those influences. Concurrently, the Chinese built numerous brick pagodas, like the famous Iron Pagoda in Kaifeng. Originally built of wood, it was struck by lightning and burned down before being rebuilt from brick in 1049 under the order of Emperor Renzong. Bricks like this one were mass produced to serve as the walls. The mold-making of bricks allowed them to have elaborate designs. Provenance: private S. S. collection, Los Angeles, California, USA All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #136069