Ancient Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st century CE. A skillfully carved head with a lively visage comprised of expressive eyes, a naturalistic nose, and a broad mustache over a full-lipped mouth. Given the elaborate headdress, this piece probably represented an elite personage. The subject's facial planes are veristically contoured, this realistic quality complemented by details such soft 'fleshy' lips and heavy eyelids. A special example of Greco-Buddhist art that demonstrates a strong syncretism between eastern and western traditions, though the style leans slightly more toward Indian influences. Size: 1.75" W x 3.5" H (4.4 cm x 8.9 cm); 5.125" H (13 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 depicting the Buddha are 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 styles from all sides, blended into a uniquely Gandharan tradition, which this Buddha exemplifies.

Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA acquired over twenty years ago

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#123409

A fragment with losses to peripheries and expected wear commensurate with age.