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Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st century CE. An absolutely stunning gray schist face of the Buddha, depicted here with a tremendous ushnisha (in the Gandharan tradition, just a topknot). The face is sensuously and realistically carved, with large, almond-shaped, downcast eyes, a long, thin nose, a symmetrical brow ridge, and a small mouth with a thin mustache above it. The mustache is slightly wavy, mirroring the wonderfully sculpted and lifelike hair. The Buddha has an urna, a dot on the forehead, symbolizing the third eye and the ability to see past the universe of suffering. Size: 6.85″ L x 8″ W x 13.5″ H (17.4 cm x 20.3 cm x 34.3 cm); 16.75″ H (42.5 cm) on included custom stand.
This is an amazing and naturalistic carving from the period of Greco-Buddhist art. 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 are 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. For example, the hair of this sculpture and others from the same tradition were likely influenced by the Belvedere Apollo (ca. 330 BCE).
Condition: Face is in excellent condition, with surface wear commensurate with age and a small chip from above the right (facing) eyebrow. Neck and back of head have slightly jagged edges as the head was once part of a larger statue. Light soil encrustation in the lower profile areas, especially around the hair and eyes.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection, acquired at major gallery
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