Northern Qi Dynasty Painted Stone Bodhisattva, Chinese Polychrome Buddhist Sculpture with Mandorla (Antique, 100+ Years)

Northern Qi Dynasty Painted Stone Bodhisattva

This sculpture represents a painted stone Bodhisattva carved in the Northern Qi dynasty tradition, distinguished by its serene expression, elongated proportions, and richly preserved polychromy. The figure is seated in composed authority, the torso upright yet softened by gentle curvature, conveying spiritual stillness rather than rigid monumentality.

The face is finely modeled with lowered eyes, a slight smile, and smooth planes that reflect Northern Qi aesthetic preferences for calm transcendence. Unlike later dramatic styles, the expression here is restrained, inward-looking, and contemplative, designed to guide the viewer toward meditative focus.

The bodhisattva’s body is adorned with jewelry and layered garments rendered in low relief, allowing the original pigments—reds, greens, and mineral tones—to remain legible. These colors are not decorative additions but integral to the sculptural program, preserving the original visual impact intended for cave-temple or shrine environments.

The mandorla backing, carved as a unified stone element, frames the figure with rhythmic flame and halo motifs populated by attendant figures. This architectural treatment situates the sculpture within the Northern Qi stone-carving tradition, where sculpture, relief, and painted surface were conceived as a single devotional system.

Northern Qi Buddhist sculpture flourished in northern China during the mid-sixth century, particularly in regions associated with major cave complexes. Works of this type were created for temple halls and grotto sanctuaries, emphasizing doctrinal clarity and contemplative presence rather than theatrical display.

Condition is consistent with an antique painted stone sculpture. Surface wear, pigment loss, and softened edges reflect age and historical exposure. No modern repainting is assumed without in-hand examination. The work should be understood as an authentic survivor valued for iconography, polychromy, and historical coherence.

Key Facts

• Object type: Painted stone Buddhist sculpture (Bodhisattva)
• Material: Carved stone with original polychromy
• Period: Northern Qi dynasty style (6th century)
• Customs: HS Code 9706.00 | Country of Origin: China

Shipping & Logistics

• Estimated weight: ~40–60 kg
• Safe packed weight: ~80–100 kg

Confidence & Verification Notes

Dynastic attribution and dating are based on stylistic analysis and seller description and should be treated as probable without in-hand examination. This work is best cataloged as a Northern Qi dynasty style painted stone Bodhisattva.

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Explore the Collection

To browse related sacred works and Buddhist articles curated under the same standards, explore our Buddhist Statues & Sacred Art collection.

Authenticity & Stewardship

Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:

• Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
• Iconographic and stylistic verification
• Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
• Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation

Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.

A Note on Stewardship and Collecting

At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.

Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.

Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration

Some sacred works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.

If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.

Concierge Support & Collector Guidance

Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.

For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.

Before Proceeding

We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.

Cargo Shipping & Handling Notice

Due to the final packaged weight and/or dimensional requirements of this piece, standard parcel services such as Japan Post EMS, DHL, FedEx, or UPS are not applicable. This item will be shipped via cargo or freight-based shipping methods.

Cargo shipments require additional preparation time to ensure proper handling, which may include custom crating, reinforced packing, coordination with domestic logistics providers, and scheduling with international freight consolidators and export brokers. As a result, estimated delivery timelines typically range from 6 to 10 weeks, depending on routing, carrier availability, and customs clearance procedures in the destination country.

Please note that actual shipping costs may differ from automated shipping calculator estimates. By default, a portion of the expected shipping cost may be reflected in the listing price. Any difference or discrepancy will be quoted separately once destination, delivery method, and handling requirements are confirmed.

We kindly ask that collectors contact us prior to purchase to request an exact, customized shipping quotation for their destination. This ensures full transparency and allows us to arrange the most appropriate, secure, and efficient shipping solution for this piece.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we take the necessary care to deliver this work safely.

A Closing Note

Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Buddhist statues, sacred art, and spiritual artifacts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.

If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.

Curatorial note: Painted stone sculptures require stable humidity and light control. Pigment loss and surface wear are consistent with age.