Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st century BCE. A naturalistic carving in the distinctive grey stone from this period of blended Greco-Indian art. The male figure's head and face has a sensitive expression and well-carved hair, mustache, and beard; he wears some kind of laurel crown. 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. Their artistic tradition reflects the conquest of Alexander the Great and the introduction of styles from all sides, blended into a uniquely Gandharan tradition, which this head exemplifies. Comes with custom stand. Size: 2.5" W x 3.1" H (6.4 cm x 7.9 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private FL collection

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#117523

Tip of nose is broken; otherwise in excellent condition