Lot 38C
Northwest Pakistan, Gandharan, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. A rare example of Greco-Buddhist art that demonstrates a strong syncretism between eastern and western traditions, a hand carved Gandharan gray schist stone carved head of a Bodhisattva, one of the most endearing Buddhist entities, modeled in the traditional Graeco-Buddhist tradition with a full voluminous face, fine almond-shaped eyes, a gentle smile, and a characteristically elaborate hairdo swept back and drawn into a bun. Custom stand. Size: 4" W x 6.375" H (10.2 cm x 16.2 cm); 7.375" H (18.7 cm) on stand
The term Bodhisattva is derived from the word bodhi which means enlightenment, and a bodhisattva is an enlightened being who foregoes entering paradise in order to assist others to achieve enlightenment or buddahood. Bodhisattvas are believed to be among the most compassionate beings in the universe, devoting themselves to saving the suffering and traditionally depicted as less austere than Buddhas with graceful postures and elegant garments.
Alexander the Great conquered Gandhara in 330 BCE and with the help of the Indo-Greek kings introduced classical traditions that would influence Gandharan art for the following seven centuries. The stylized curly Mediterranean hair and top knot that derive from the Apollo Belvedere (330 BCE), as well as sensitive modeling of the expressive visage displayed in this piece exhibits this classical influence.
Provenance: Ex-private New York collection; ex-collection of Will Barnet (1911-2012), an American artist known for his paintings, watercolors, drawings, and prints depicting casual scenes of daily life and in transcendent dreamlike worlds. A longtime resident of the National Arts Club, Barnet died in New York City on November 13, 2012 at the age of 101.
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#120913
- Condition: A fragment as shown with sheered off back and abraded surface.
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