Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva
Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva
Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva
Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva
Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva
Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva
Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva
Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva
Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva
Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva
Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva
Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva
Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva
Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva

Gandharan Grey Schist Head of a Bodhisattva

17938

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Ancient region of Gandhara (modern-day northwest Pakistan or eastern Afghanistan), Kushan Empire, circa 2nd to 3rd century CE.

Carved in high relief from fine-grained grey schist, this fragment portrays the head of a Bodhisattva (likely Maitreya or Avalokiteshvara), embodying the classic synthesis of Hellenistic naturalism and Indian spiritual iconography. The visage is sensitively carved with heavy-lidded, meditative downcast eyes, softly contoured cheeks, a drilled urna centered between sweeping arched brows, and a finely delineated, curling mustache resting above full lips. The elaborate coiffure features a beaded or pearled diadem securing wavy tresses, with dramatic, deeply incised locks sweeping upward and cascading over the proper left shoulder. Unlike the unadorned monk's ascetic appearance of the historic Buddha, Bodhisattvas in Gandharan art are depicted as worldly royalty adorned in aristocratic attire, jewelry, and ornate hair arrangements prior to achieving ultimate enlightenment.

Size 5-1/8 in H.; 8 inches on custom mount.
Fragmentary as shown, retaining the complete facial plane, diadem, and upper left coiffure, with ancient losses to the proper right locks, ears, and neck. The stone displays rich ancient patina, sharp carving details, and earthen burial encrustations settled into the crevices of the hair, eyelids, and relief outlines. Provenance: Collection of Anna Weatherley, Washington DC

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

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