Lot 47E
Central Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A finely hand-carved schist head of Buddha in front of a halo. The facial details are sensitively rendered with rounded cheeks, solemn half-closed eyes, a petite nose, and a thin mustache above full lips. A circular third eye is incised on his browline, indicating his enlightened status. Buddha's hair is styled as wavy and elaborately coiffured locks that frame his face with a top knot ushnisha. The discoid halo would have completely surrounded his head to indicate divine status and enlightenment. A wonderful combination of Greco-Buddhist art that demonstrates a strong syncretism between eastern and western traditions. Lucite stand for photography purposes only. Size: 5.9" W x 5.5" H (15 cm x 14 cm)
The Gandharan Empire made itself wealthy in part by controlling lucrative trade along the mountain passes between China in the East and the Near East and Mediterranean in the West; a great deal of this wealth went into local patronage of artisans and art. In the first century CE, Buddhism became fashionable amongst Gandharan elites, and the art produced at this time depicting the Buddha includes some of the most striking Buddhist images from the past. Their artistic tradition also reflects the conquest of Alexander the Great and the introduction of styles from all sides, blended into a uniquely Gandharan tradition, which this Buddha exemplifies. The curly hair and top-knot look of this sculpture and others from the same tradition were likely influenced by the Belvedere Apollo. (ca. 330 BCE).
Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000
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#159043
- Condition: Fragment of a larger statue. Nicks and chips, to surface with minor losses and abrasions to coiffure, nose, and mustache. Losses to the halo as shown. Surface wear commensurate with age. Mineral deposits, earthen encrustations, and fine details!
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