Lot 67
Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 300 to 400 CE. A nearly life-sized stucco head of the Buddha, modeled in the Greco-Buddhist manner with heavy-lidded and downcast eyes, a naturalistic nose, full lips, and elongated earlobes stretched from ornate jewelry- signifying the former wealth of Prince Siddhartha before casting his possessions away to seek enlightenment. This is a large and special example of Greco-Buddhist art that demonstrates a strong syncretism between eastern and western traditions! Size: 5" L x 6" W x 7.5" H (12.7 cm x 15.2 cm x 19 cm); 14.5" H (36.8 cm) on included custom stand.
Alexander the Great conquered Gandhara in 330 BCE and with the help of Indo-Greek kings introduced classical traditions that would influence Gandharan art for the following seven centuries. The stylized curly Mediterranean hair and top knot derive from classical sculptures such as the Apollo Belvedere (330 BCE), but the Gandharans took that influence and made a complete style of their own, often focused on portrayals of the Buddha, as is so beautifully exemplified here. Gandharans are famous for schist and stucco carvings, with stucco replacing schist as the dominant material around the 3rd century CE. Vast monastic institutions like those at Takht-i-Bahi, Sahri-Bahlol, Jamal Garhi, Ranigat, and Thareli were decorated by skilled artisans with stucco representations of important figures, religious scenes, and artistic dedications. Stucco allowed artists more freedom in portraying lifelike features, as shown in the shape of the chin here. During this time, Gandhara was exceptionally wealthy, profiting from trade along the Silk Road; patrons had resources to spend on the arts, creating a flowering of stucco artwork. Some monumental statues had stucco hands, feet, and heads alongside clay torsos - the size of these figures was such that clay was needed to maintain their form.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#175375
- Condition: fragment of a larger piece as shown. Losses to coiffure, verso of the head, and left ear lobe as shown. Active flaking to stucco on interior when removed from stand. Surface wear, otherwise facial details are sharp.
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