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Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 4th to mid-5th century CE. A larger-than-life stucco head of the enlightened Buddha, modeled in the traditional Greco-Buddhist manner with a full face, fine, heavy-lidded downcast almond eyes, a naturalistic nose, a sensitive mouth, a strong brow line, and a distinctive chin. The ears are long, their lobes stretched, signifying the former wealth of Prince Siddhartha. A deep, round urna is in the center of the forehead, which was likely once inlaid with a precious stone. Some traces of pigment remain on the face, notably on the brow line and on the cheeks. Perhaps the most incredible part of this sculpture is its ornate coiffure and huge ushnisha. The hair is composed of layer upon layer of half-circles of stucco, giving it the appearance of tight curls, and these continue over the ushnisha, the visible sign of Buddha's enlightenment. Size: 12.25" L x 12" W x 19" H (31.1 cm x 30.5 cm x 48.3 cm); 25" H (63.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Alexander the Great conquered Gandhara in 330 BCE and with the help of Indo-Greek kings introduced classical traditions that would influence Gandharan art for the following seven centuries. The stylized curly Mediterranean hair and top knot derive from classical sculptures such as the Apollo Belvedere (330 BCE), but the Gandharans took that influence and made a complete style of their own, often focused on portrayals of the Buddha, as is so beautifully exemplified here.

Gandharans are famous for schist and stucco carvings, with stucco replacing schist as the dominant material around the 3rd century CE. Vast monastic institutions like those at Takht-i-Bahi, Sahri-Bahlol, Jamal Garhi, Ranigat, and Thareli were decorated by skilled artisans with stucco representations of important figures, religious scenes, and artistic dedications. Stucco allowed artists more freedom in portraying lifelike features, as shown in the shape of the chin here. During this time, Gandhara was exceptionally wealthy, profiting from trade along the Silk Road; patrons had resources to spend on the arts, creating a flowering of stucco artwork. Some monumental statues had stucco hands, feet, and heads alongside clay torsos - the size of these figures was such that clay was needed to maintain their form.

Published in "The Muse's Song: Selections of Ancient Art." Fortuna Fine Arts, Ltd., New York, 2008, fig. 55.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010; ex-Alexandre A du M collection, Maryland, USA, acquired in the 1980s

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Small losses on surface, notably on the side of the ushnisha and one earlobe. Back of the head is partially lost as is part of the neck, and these areas are fragile and may lose some material if not handled with care. Traces of pigment on face with nice deposits. Face and front of hair are beautifully preserved.