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THB4th C. Gandharan Stucco Head Enlightened Buddha
About Seller
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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About Auction
LiveNov 10, 2022
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Nautical, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
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- Lot Description
Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 4th to mid-5th century CE. A larger-than-life stucco head of the enlightened Buddha, modeled in the traditional Greco-Buddhist manner with a full face, fine, heavy-lidded downcast almond eyes, a naturalistic nose, a sensitive mouth, a strong brow line, and a distinctive chin. The ears are long, their lobes stretched, signifying the former wealth of Prince Siddhartha. A deep, round urna is in the center of the forehead, which was likely once inlaid with a precious stone. Some traces of pigment remain on the face, notably on the brow line and on the cheeks. Perhaps the most incredible part of this sculpture is its ornate coiffure and huge ushnisha. The hair is composed of layer upon layer of half-circles of stucco, giving it the appearance of tight curls, and these continue over the ushnisha, the visible sign of Buddha's enlightenment. Size: 12.25" L x 12" W x 19" H (31.1 cm x 30.5 cm x 48.3 cm); 25" H (63.5 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.
Published in "The Muse's Song: Selections of Ancient Art." Fortuna Fine Arts, Ltd., New York, 2008, fig. 55.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010; ex-Alexandre A du M collection, Maryland, USA, acquired in the 1980s
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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#142458Small losses on surface, notably on the side of the ushnisha and one earlobe. Back of the head is partially lost as is part of the neck, and these areas are fragile and may lose some material if not handled with care. Traces of pigment on face with nice deposits. Face and front of hair are beautifully preserved.Condition
- Shipping Info
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Artemis Gallery will no longer be able to offer in-house shipping for most international orders, as well as all oversized orders, including most paintings. These items are clearly marked in the listing as “3rd Party Shipping Required” in the listing. We have a list of recommended third party shippers to assist you in shipping to and from, and would be happy to assist you in working with them. We require a written authorization from the client to release property to any third party. You may fax a Shipping Release Form to 303-828-3235 or email your authorization to kristen@artemisgallery.com. Please note the all property must be removed from our premises within seven (7) business days following the last day of the auction.
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