Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A dignified grey schist sculpture depicting the head of an elderly male in the traditional Graeco-Buddhist style. Capped by an elaborate turban with a starburst front panel, the ancient head exhibits a serene expression with piercing almond-shaped eyes beneath heavy lids, gaunt cheekbones, a slender nose above a lengthy mustache, and a bushy beard. Luscious coils of hair peak out from below the turban, crowning the tranquil visage, as a pair of heavy adornments hangs from his ears. The figure's somewhat emaciated depiction suggests he is an ascetic, an individual who foregoes any form of indulgence or physical pleasure to maintain and demonstrate religious devotion. Much Gandharan sculpture from this time period depicts the Buddha, but this example has no signs to suggest that it is him or a representation of an elderly Prince Siddhartha. Size: 3.5" W x 5.5" H (8.9 cm x 14 cm); 8" H (20.3 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 included 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 Western aesthetics, blended into a uniquely Gandharan tradition.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired ca. 2005; ex-old Cyprus collection
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#163106
Condition
Fragment of a larger piece. Expected nicks/chips and abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with impressive conservation of detail.