Northwest Pakistan, ancient region of Gandhara, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. A finely carved stone head of Buddha, presenting a sensitively modeled visage comprised of solemn half-closed eyes of an elegant almond shape, a long aquiline nose, and a gentle smile. The Buddha'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. Block stand. Size: 2.75" W x 4.125" H (7 cm x 10.5 cm); 7.375" H (18.7 cm) on 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. 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 that tranquil visage displayed on this piece, for example, exhibit this classical influence.

Provenance: private Orange County, California USA collection acquired before 2000

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#122010

A section with losses to back of head and roughness to the underside of neck. Surface wear and near invisible nicks to peripheries of ears. Earth deposits in recesses. Some areas of white mineral deposits.