Central Asia, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. An exceptional, larger-than-life head of the enlightened Buddha, skillfully sculpted from gray schist to portray his divine visage in traditional Greco-Buddhist manner with characteristic tranquility. His sensitively modeled face presents 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 raised, round urna is in the center of the forehead, symbolizing the third eye and the ability to see past the universe of suffering. His luscious wavy locks are piled atop his head in a bulbous ushnisha. The symmetrical carving makes this a particularly elegant example of Greco-Buddhist art that demonstrates a strong syncretism between Eastern and Western traditions. Size: 8.3" W x 12.1" H (21.1 cm x 30.7 cm); 17" H (43.2 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. 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 wavy Mediterranean hair and top knot that derive from the Apollo Belvedere (330 BCE), as well as the sensitive modeling of the tranquil face displayed on this piece, for example, exhibit this classical influence.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Christopher McKinley auction, 2000s

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#175487

Fragment of a larger piece. Expected surface wear with nicks, chips, and abrasions as shown. Otherwise, excellent with impressive remaining detail and nice earthen deposits.