Three Worlds Hetian Jade Buddha Statues Set/Tang Dynasty
$300000.00 | 1 set (Min.Order)
Material & Quality:Hetian White Jade, Warm Oily Texture, Natural Qin Se Patina
Carving Technique:Integral Single-Block Carving, Full-Round Sculpture with Openwork
Subject:Three Worlds Buddha Triad: Dipankara (Past), Shakyamuni (Present), Maitreya (Future)
Iconography:Full Tang Facial Features, Double-Layered Lotus Throne, Flowing Robe Lines
Mudras (Hand Gestures):Shakyamuni: Anjali (Prayer) | Dipankara: Patra (Begging Bowl) | Maitreya: Kundika (Precious Vase)
Mandorla Detail:Flaming Halo with Linked-Bead Pattern (Bijiaowen) Edge
Primary Function:Supreme Imperial Buddhist Shrine Art, Museum-Quality Collectible
Provenance
This set of three Buddha statues was originally commissioned as a dedicated devotional object for the Buddhist hall of a Tang dynasty aristocratic family. Following its period of use, it was interred as part of a noble burial, where it remained buried for over a millennium, during which time its natural earthen qin se (burial patina) developed.
During the Republic of China period, the set was exported to Europe and America through established antique trade channels, where it remained in the collection of an overseas connoisseur of Buddhist art for several decades.
In modern times, the statues were excavated and subsequently acquired by a distinguished collector in northern China. They were carefully preserved and remained free from any damage, breakage, or restoration.
In recent years, the statues were lawfully repatriated to China through regulated antiquities trade channels. Upon re-entry, they underwent comprehensive scientific examination by a professional ancient jade and Buddhist sculpture appraisal institution. The tests confirmed that the jade material, the natural qin se coloration, the carving techniques, and the iconographic forms are all consistent with Tang dynasty standards.
From their creation in the Tang dynasty, to their burial, excavation, private collection in China, overseas circulation, and lawful repatriation, the transmission history of this set is clear and traceable, with its authenticity and cultural significance fully substantiated.
Product Introduction

Verity Antique presents the Three Worlds Hetian Jade Buddha Statues Set, an object of profound spiritual weight and peerless artistry that embodies the very essence of Tang dynasty Buddhist culture and lapidary mastery. This is not merely a set of carvings; it is a frozen moment of imperial piety, a silent prayer for all time, and a testament to the supreme skill of ancient Chinese artisans. Each statue is carved from a single, magnificent block of Hetian white jade-a material so precious it was the exclusive domain of the imperial family and the highest nobility. The surfaces carry the silent story of their long journey through time, inscribed in the natural, delicate qin se that permeates the stone. The "Three Worlds" triad-Past, Present, and Future-is a complete and powerful expression of the Buddhist cosmos, rendered with the serene, full-faced elegance that defined Tang dynasty art. The integral carving, which unites the Buddha, his mandorla, and his lotus throne in a single, unbroken form, is a breathtaking technical achievement. This set is not simply a collection of artifacts from the Tang dynasty; it is a supreme synthesis of Chinese civilization's deepest spiritual impulses and its most extraordinary technical capabilities, rendered in the eternal medium of jade.
Product Specifications
|
Parameter |
Details |
|
Material |
Hetian White Jade (Each from a Single Block) |
|
Category |
Buddhist Sculpture / Ritual Object |
|
Style |
Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), Imperial & Noble Class |
|
Dimensions |
Central Buddha: Height 14.5 cm, Length 9.5 cm, Width 5 cm; Side Buddhas: Height 12.5 cm, Length 7.5 cm, Width 4 cm |
|
Carving Techniques |
Full-Round Sculpture, Incised Line Carving, Openwork, Integral Carving |
|
Subject |
Three Worlds Buddha Triad (Past, Present, Future) |
|
Form |
Seated Buddhas on Lotus Thrones with Flaming Mandorlas |
|
Primary Function |
Supreme Collectible Art; Devotional & Display Artifact |
Q&a
Q: Is this a genuinely ancient artifact, not a later reproduction?
A: Yes. This set is an authentic Tang dynasty artifact. Its authenticity is confirmed by its material, its carving techniques-particularly the combination of full-round carving, incised line carving, and openwork, as well as the specific Tang dynasty iconographic features-and its ancient, unworn patina and qin se. These characteristics, alongside its well-documented provenance, place it firmly within the Tang period.
Q:What is the significance of the "Three Worlds" Buddha triad?
A: The "Three Worlds" triad (San Shi Fo) is a core concept in Mahayana Buddhism. It represents the three temporal dimensions of existence: the past (Dipankara Buddha, representing the Dharma of the past), the present (Shakyamuni Buddha, representing the current teaching), and the future (Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha who will restore the Dharma). This triad was a standard devotional grouping in the Tang dynasty, used to represent the eternal and all-encompassing nature of Buddhist truth.
Q:What is the "integral carving" technique?
A: "Integral carving" (yi ti yuan diao) refers to the technique of carving a complex, multi-part object, such as a Buddha with a mandorla and lotus throne, from a single, continuous piece of jade without any joins or splices. This was an extremely demanding technique, requiring immense skill, patience, and a flawless block of material. It is a hallmark of the highest level of Tang dynasty lapidary work.
Q:What does the white jade of this quality represent?
A:The finest white jade, known as "mutton fat" or "white as milk," was the most highly prized material in ancient China, exceeding even gold in its cultural value. It is inextricably linked to the highest ideals of Confucian virtue-purity, integrity, and moral perfection-and was reserved exclusively for the imperial family and the highest rank of nobility for the most important ritual and ceremonial objects.
Important Notes
All dimensions are manually measured; minor deviations (1-2 cm) may occur.
Provenance details for certain items are confidential. Please contact us privately for further information.
All items are sold as-is. Please review all descriptions and images carefully before purchasing.
These are precious, irreplaceable antiques. Please handle with the utmost care, avoid direct contact with water and chemicals, and seek professional conservation advice for long-term preservation.
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