A TERRACOTTA HEAD OF A WOMAN

Ancient Region of Gandhara, 4th/5th Century

Ancient Region of Gandhara, 4th/5th Century
9 1/8in (23.1cm) high

In contrast to the majority of surviving material from Gandhara, consisting of stylized Buddha images, the present head is a rare and nuanced example of clay sculpture drawing on Roman traditions of portraiture, conveying mood, emotion, and individuality. Perhaps part of a larger original ensemble, her enigmatic glare appears to respond with wonderment to that she beholds, perhaps a conversion scene. Further examples from The Kronos Collection are held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, published in Lerner, The Flame and The Lotus, New York, 1984, pp.38-9, no.8. Also see, Lerner, The Lotus Transcendent, New York, 1991, p.104, no.73.

Provenance
Sotheby's, New York, 12 December 1977, lot 38 (pl.IX)
Private European Collection, 1977-1990
Christie's, New York, 3 October 1990, lot 205
Royal-Athena Galleries, New York, 1 July 1991
Private Colorado Collection