Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 200 BCE to 300 CE. An elegant stucco bust of Buddha as a young man, perhaps as Prince Gautama, modeled in the traditional Greco-Buddhist tradition with a full face, fine almond eyes that are uniquely pointed at the midlines, arched brows that lead to a naturalistic nose, and full, closed lips, with a wavy coiffure adorned by a headband. The eyes which appear to protrude from the face, almost like seashells, are most striking and may indicate that the Buddha/Prince is closing them tightly as if engaged in deep meditation. Size: 5.75" L x 5.75" W x 7.375" H (14.6 cm x 14.6 cm x 18.7 cm); 9.875" H (25.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Gandharans are famous for schist and stucco carvings, with stucco replacing schist as the more dominant material by the 3rd century CE. Vast monastic institutions like those at Takht-i-Bahi, Sahri-Bahlol, Jamal Garhi, Ranigat, and Thareli were decorated by skilled artisans with stucco representations of important figures, religious scenes, and artistic dedications. Stucco allowed artists more freedom in portraying lifelike features. During this time, Gandhara was exceptionally wealthy, profiting from trade along the Silk Road; so patrons had resources to spend on the arts, creating a flowering of stucco artwork. Some monumental statues had stucco hands, feet, and heads alongside clay torsos - the size of these figures was such that clay was needed to maintain their form.

The ancient Gandhara civilization flourished in northeastern Afghanistan and northwestern Pakistan. Located along the Silk Route, the region was exposed to cultural influences of both the East and the West, from Greece to China. Gandhara thrived during the Kushan Dynasty under the direction of King Kanishka, who scholars posit was responsible for spreading Buddhism's philosophies throughout Central Asia and into China. Following Alexander the Great's conquests, Greek influence spread into Gandhara and sculptors' renderings of Buddha were inspired by Greco-Roman models, akin to a youthful Apollo, with similarly curly coiffures and flowing robes. Impressive Gandharan creations, such as this example, resulted from these links between East and West.

Provenance: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000

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#162128

A fragment from a larger statue. Uncarved on verso suggesting it is a high relief. Chips/losses to pointed midlines of eyes, ears, nose, chin, cheeks, and high pointed areas of coiffure. Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Surface also graced with scattered deposits.