Tranquil 3rd C. Gandharan Stucco Buddha Head

**Originally Listed At $400**

Central Asia, Afghanistan, Gandhara, ca. 300 to 400 CE. 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, all adorned with liberal remains of ancient pigments. 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: 3.3" L x 3" W x 4.5" H (8.4 cm x 7.6 cm x 11.4 cm)

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection, inherited via grandfather, who collected before 1980

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#183014
Condition Report: Fragment of a larger piece with chipping to verso and chipping to nose and ears. Missing proper left earlobe, and nicks and abrasions as shown. Nice remaining detail and liberal remaining pigments. Light earthen deposits throughout.