A beautiful, fine, antique, Chinese limestone crown bodhisattva (probably Lokeshvara). Ming dyn. Fine carving, depicting the typical, round face of the period, with serene, down cast eyes and a small rosy mouth. The thick ear lobes and rounded chin are also typical of the period. A Buddha is set in a center of his crown, with floral scrolls. The top and the back of his head are unfinished, as it was probably part of a large group in a grotto. There are many Buddhist grottos all over China, starting as of the 5th cent., up to the late Qing dyn. Small loss to the tip of his nose. Signs of incrustation all over the head, traces of red and blue pigment. Was bought in France in 2003. Size net 30x19x18 cm