Fine / Naturalistic Gandharan Stucco Buddha Head

Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st century CE. An amazing and naturalistic carving from the period of Greco-Buddhist art. The Buddha's head and face with tightly coiled hair, has been modeled in plaster, with a kind facial expression and large, staring eyes. 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. The curly hair and top-knot look of this sculpture and others from the same tradition were likely influenced by the Belvedere Apollo (ca. 330 BCE). Comes with custom stand. Size: 5" L x 4.5" W x 7.2" H (12.7 cm x 11.4 cm x 18.3 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Florida, USA collection, acquired by the present owner during his residence in Paris in the 1970s from an old English collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#116970
Condition Report: Slight wear to surface, with rough uncarved edges; small chips to nose as shown. Face is in excellent condition for age and has clear features.