Sculpture

Three-dimensional works of art from various periods and regions, showcasing the skill of sculptors in stone, metal, and other materials. These pieces range from monumental figures to delicate carvings.

Recumbent Bull (700s CE)

Antiquities Asia China Sculpture

Cast in the 700s CE, this gilt bronze bull from China’s Tang dynasty rests with detailed neck folds.

Shakyamuni (c.900 CE)

Antiquities Asia Japan Sculpture

Carved c. 900 CE, this Japanese wooden Buddha called Shakyamuni with lacquer shows thick folds and meditation mudras.

Olmec stone head fragment, c. 900–300 BCE

Olmec Head Fragment (c.900-300 BCE)

Antiquities Mesoamerica Olmec Sculpture

Carved c. 900–300 BCE, this Olmec jadeite head from Mexico’s Gulf Coast blends human features with supernatural incisions.

Khmer colossal head of a deva in sandstone, c. 1200 CE

Colossal Head of a Deva (c.1200 CE)

Antiquities Asia Khmer Sculpture

Carved c. 1200 CE, this sandstone head from Cambodia’s Preah Khan crowns a deva with a lotus tiara.

Kilia culture marble figurine known as the Stargazer from Western Anatolia, c. 3000 BCE

The Stargazer (c.3000 BCE)

Antiquities Asia Kilia Culture Sculpture

This marble stargazer figure from Western Anatolia tilts upward with a simple, flat form.

Indian limestone relief panel from Nagarjunakonda showing Buddha as a fiery pillar, 200s CE

Veneration of the Buddha as a Fiery Pillar (200s CE)

Antiquities Asia India Sculpture

Carved in the 200s CE, this limestone panel from Nagarjunakonda, India, frames Buddha as a flaming pillar with celestial figures as a veneration.

Dutch oak sculpture of Saint Andrew with X-shaped cross, c. 1515–1520

Saint Andrew (1515–1520 CE)

Antiquities Europe Netherlands Sculpture

Carved around 1515–1520, this oak figure from the Netherlands poses Saint Andrew with an X-shaped cross, lightly painted.

Headless dolerite statue of Gudea from Girsu, Mesopotamia, 2144–2124 BCE

Statue of Gudea (2144–2124 BCE)

Antiquities Mesopotamia Middle East Sculpture

Carved c. 2144–2124 BCE, this headless dolerite figure from Girsu, Mesopotamia, clasps hands in a votive pose typical of Gudea.

Khmer bronze Buddha seated under a multi-headed naga hood, 1100s CE

Naga Enthroned Buddha (1100s CE)

Antiquities Asia Khmer Sculpture

Cast around the 12th century, this bronze figure from Cambodia seats a meditating Buddha under a multi-headed naga hood.

German lindenwood Vesperbild (Pieta), 1515–1520, polychrome and gilded

Vesperbild or Pieta (1515-1520 CE)

Antiquities Europe Germany Sculpture

Sculpted between 1515 and 1520, this lindenwood vesperbild from Germany shows Mary cradling Christ, finished with polychrome and gilding.

Limewood sculpture of Jesse by Veit Stoss, c. 1500, with polychromy

Jesse (c.1500 CE)

Antiquities Europe Germany Sculpture

Carved around 1500, this limewood figure by Veit Stoss from Germany shows Jesse asleep, painted with polychromy.

Huastec earthenware head with serpent animal helmet, c. 600–1000 CE

Head With Animal Helmet (c. 600-1000 CE)

Antiquities Huastec Mesoamerica Sculpture

Modeled between the 7th and 11th centuries, this earthenware figure with an animal helmet from Mexico’s Gulf Coast tops a human head with a serpent helmet.