South Asia, India, Gupta, ca. 4th to 6th century CE. This is a fine fragmentary sculpture of a head from the neck up depiction a bodhisattva or deity, perhaps Vishnu. Here the head is shown in relief, with rounded facial features and huge disc shaped earrings. Atop the head is a tripartite crown or headdress, incised with fine crosshatching patterns. Along the back of the neck is a slightly wavy coiffure, the texture created with stippling notches. The Gupta period is sometimes referred to as India's Golden Age, when imperial patronage allowed the arts to flourish; this period had great influence on subsequent periods, like that of the Pala Empire and Kashmir. Their refined artistic forms are characterized by fluid, almost whimsical carving, with gentle curves and an attention to geometric symmetry and shape. Size: 1.5" L x 1" W (3.8 cm x 2.5 cm); 3.5" H (8.9 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#135352
Condition
Fragment of a large piece with surface abrasions and nicks to high pointed areas. Minor softening to facial features. Earthen and mineral deposits scattered on surface.