**Originally Listed At $750**

Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. An absolutely stunning and expertly carved grey schist head of the Buddha, depicted here with a globular ushnisha (a topknot in the Gandharan tradition) as well as a petite urna symbolizing the Third Eye and the ability to see past the universe of suffering. The face is finely carved with bold features including almond-shaped, downcast eyes, an elegantly arched brow line leading to an aquiline nose, and full, closed lips. The drama of this visage, however, does not discount the naturalism of the anatomy. Notice how skillfully the sculptor rendered details such as the philtrum, the Cupid's bow of the upper lip, the tear troughs between the eyes and nose, the nasal bridge and nostrils, the contours of the chin, and the wavy tresses of his coiffure. Size: 3.25" W x 4.625" H (8.3 cm x 11.7 cm); 6.875" H (17.5 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 includes 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. For example, the wavy tresses of hair of this sculpture and others from the same tradition were likely influenced by the Belvedere Apollo (ca. 330 BCE).

Provenance: ex-private West Hollywood, California, 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#166428

Fragment of a larger piece. Losses to nose. Chipping to chin with some stable hairline fissures to chin and forehead. A few nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with light earthen deposits throughout.