Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A beautiful example of Graeco-Buddhist art demonstrating a strong syncretism between eastern and western traditions, hand-carved from gray schist stone in characteristic Gandharan style. The head represents that of a Bodhisattva, one of the most endearing Buddhist entities, with finely-modeled features including a voluptuous face, fine almond-shaped eyes, a bushy moustache, and a wide brow line covered by a layered turban and a projecting element in the middle. The term Bodhisattva is derived from the word "bodhi," meaning enlightenment, and a bodhisattva is an enlightened being who foregoes entering paradise in order to assist others to achieve enlightenment or Buddhahood. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 2.5" W x 3.625" H (6.4 cm x 9.2 cm); 4.75" H (12.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Millburn, New Jersey, USA collection

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#132203

This is a fragment of a larger frieze with a sheered-off back and abraded surface. Repair to nose with small chips along break line. Expected age-commensurate surface wear, small chips to eyes, neck, and peripheries, losses to areas of turban, and some fading to carved details, otherwise very good. Nice earthen deposits throughout.