Central Asian, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A rare example of Greco-Buddhist art that demonstrates a strong syncretism between eastern and western traditions, a beautiful terracotta head of a Bodhisattva, one of the most endearing Buddhist entities, modeled in the traditional Graeco-Buddhist tradition with a full voluminous face, fine almond-shaped eyes, cupped ears, a gentle smile, a bushy mustache, and a characteristically wavy hair style. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 5.25" W x 7.5" H (13.3 cm x 19 cm); 12" H (30.5 cm) on included custom stand.
The term Bodhisattva is derived from the word bodhi which means enlightenment, and a bodhisattva is an enlightened being who foregoes entering paradise in order to assist others to achieve enlightenment or buddahood. Bodhisattvas are believed to be among the most compassionate beings in the universe, devoting themselves to saving the suffering and traditionally depicted as less austere than Buddhas with graceful postures and elegant garments.
Alexander the Great conquered Gandhara in 330 BCE and with the help of the Indo-Greek kings introduced classical traditions that would influence Gandharan art for the following seven centuries. The stylized curly Mediterranean hair that derive from the Apollo Belvedere (330 BCE), as well as sensitive modeling of the expressive visage displayed in this piece exhibits this classical influence.
Provenance: private East Coast, 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.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#135636
Condition
This is a fragment of a larger figure. Head repaired from multiple large pieces with some light restoration and adhesive residue along break lines. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, small losses to neck line, nose, mustache, ears, and hair, and fading to finer details. Nice earthen deposits throughout.