South Asia, Northwestern India, Kushan Empire, ca. 3rd to 4th century CE. A Kushan terracotta bust of Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism, known as the preserver in the Hindu trinity (Trimurti) which also includes Brahma and Shiva. The deity looks forward with elegant features and is bedecked with a beaded necklace and a tall miter that is elaborately bejeweled and adorned with a central floral motif. One can also see the remains of his nimbus surrounding his visage. A fine rendering of Vishnu, revered for restoring order and combatting evil in order to maintain harmony and balance in the universe. Size: 5.1" W x 6.7" H (13 cm x 17 cm); 8.8" H (22.4 cm) on included custom stand.

The Kushan Empire controlled part of the Silk Road between China and the Mediterranean, and its position as a crossroads led to the creation of a dynamic fusion culture. Sculptures like this one give us a hint to the elaborate clothing and personal ornamentation that elite people wore during this period. Most articles of Kushan clothing were heavily decorated with metal plaques and beads.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired 2015

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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#161184

A fragment of a larger pottery bust as shown. Fragment is adhered to display stand and cannot be removed. Repairs to left shoulder, bottom-right area of verso, and areas of underside, with chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Losses to areas of crown, finery, coronal halo, and lower body beneath clavicle and shoulders. Encrustations within several areas, with fading to original pigment. Wonderful preservation of facial details.