An exceptional carved sandstone head of a LuohanTang/Jin DynastyNaturalistically carved with large expressive almond-shaped eyes painted black beneath finely painted brows and a pronounced bump on the forehead, the nose gently curving slightly above the painted lips, the fleshy face framed between a pair of pendulous ears, the buff-coloured stone with traces of pigment remaining, wood stand. 14cm (5 1/2in) high. (2).注脚唐/金 石雕羅漢頭像Provenance: Jacques Barrere, Paris, 19 September 2002John J. Studzinski, CBE 來源：法國巴黎古董商，Jacques Barrere，2002年9月19日大英帝國司令勳章受勳者John J. Studzinski珍藏The sensitive rendering of the luohan's expressive countenance is particularly fine on this superbly carved head. The head is striking for its vivid realism. By skilfully carving the head in the round, intricate and naturalistic detailing of the gentle curvature of the skull is captured.Luohan or arhats, were close personal disciples of Buddha Shakyamuni. Although they attained Buddhahood during the course of their lives, they delayed entering Nirvana and remained on earth to protect the Buddhist dharma and to aid others in seeking Enlightenment according to the instruction of the Buddha. Luohan figures became increasingly popular from the Tang dynasty onwards; see A.Paludan, Chinese Sculpture: A Great Tradition, Chicago, 2006, p.270.