This is a unique and beautiful antique Chinese Buddha head carved from solid rock likely pulled from a Buddhist temple in the 20th century. Stone sculptures like this one were made to adorn huge Buddhist cave temples cut out of the mountains of northern and central China. At 5 7​/​8 inches, just under life-size head of a Lohan, his visage presents a tranquil, meditative countenance and elongated ears, common in most depictions of Buddha and the Arhats. In Mahayana Buddhism, Arhats (or Lohans in Chinese) were understood as the original followers of Buddha who followed the Eightfold Path and attained the Four Stages of Enlightenment and deliverance from mere earthly existence. Lohans are known for possessing immense wisdom, fortitude, bravery in the face of evil, and supernatural powers. They have become known as the guardian angels of Buddhist temples. Condition - a small loss from the tip of one ear, but still a mesmerizing piece of ancient Chinese religious history. The exact age and provenance of this piece is unknown, but it is certain to be a valuable addition to any collection.