Ancient Gandharan Stucco Buddha Head

Central Asia, Afghanistan, Gandhara, ca. 500 BCE. An impressive mold-made stucco Buddha head presenting as the epitome of tranquility with an arched brow, heavy-lidded eyes, a wide nose, and bowed lips in a gentle grin. An ushnisha sits atop his calming visage, carefully incised with undulating striations to represent strands of hair and pulled back to reveal an elegant widow's peak. His earlobes hang at nearly chin-height, elongated from before he cast off his earthly possessions when he would adorn them with lavish jewels. This technique shows stylistic affinities with the early stucco production from Gandharan sites, particularly Taxila. A special example of Greco-Buddhist art that demonstrates a strong syncretism between eastern and western traditions. Enveloped in a hue of creamy beige, this lovely piece is an excellent example of Gandharan culture. Size: 1.75" L x 2" W x 2.375" H (4.4 cm x 5.1 cm x 6 cm); 5" H (12.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Hirsch collection, Germany; acquired before 2000

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#141262
Condition Report: Fragment of a larger piece with barely discernable repairs to nasal bridge, eyes, face, neck, ears, and hair. Expected surface wear with abrasions to verso and light softening of detail. Otherwise, very nice.