2nd C. Gandharan Schist Buddha Head Shakyamuni

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Exceptional Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographi...

By Artemis Gallery

Jun 10, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-06-10 10:00:00 2021-06-10 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographic https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-7012
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• Lot Description
  Central Asia, Afghanistan, Gandhara, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A rare and remarkable portrayal of Buddha, known as Shakyamuni Buddha or Siddhartha Gautama, the crown prince of the Shakya Kingdom, expertly hand-carved from dark gray-hued schist. As evident by his gaunt face, this depiction shows Shakyamuni during the 49 day fast which he partook in before attaining enlightenment. The ascetic figure displays an emaciated visage; his deep-set eyes are heavily bagged and held closed beneath arched brows, his cheeks are sunken, and his slender lips remain tightly pursed beneath a triangular nose and crescent moustache. A coiled top bun caps his head, his hair detailed with wavy, almost venous grooves, and the urna is shown at the center of his forehead, representing his third eye or vision into the divine world. His thin neck exhibits vividly defined muscles, as though showing through his skin, while his pointed chin and square jaw present the light shadow of a beard. A pair of elongated ears flank his face; a physical feature symbolic of the Buddha's time as a prince when he wore elaborate ear ornaments and from which his lobes remained stretched. The head of the Buddha is perhaps the most significant element of the deity as it represents the immense body of knowledge and wisdom of Buddha. This head of Buddha, however, is of even greater importance, as its haggard appearance relates to how he gained his enlightenment and thus achieved ultimate control over his body as a yogic ascetic. Size: 3.25" L x 2.625" W x 5" H (8.3 cm x 6.7 cm x 12.7 cm); 8.75" H (22.2 cm) on included custom stand.
  
  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. The curly hair of this sculpture and others from the same tradition were likely influenced by the Belvedere Apollo (ca. 330 BCE), and the sensitive modeling of the expressive visage demonstrates a classical influence as well.
  
  Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
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  #164666

  Condition

  Fragment of a larger piece. Losses to ears, nose, and nasal bridge. Some chips to chin, neck, and cheeks. Otherwise, excellent with nice earthen deposits and impressive remaining detail.
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