India, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura, 2nd-3rd century. The oval face sensitively carved with well-defined features such as the heavy-lidded almond-shaped eyes below elegantly arched raised eyebrows, and full bow-shaped lips forming a calm smile. The hair arranged in a tall chignon centered by a circular emblem.

Provenance: A private collection in Vienna, Austria, acquired circa 1996 in the local trade.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, signs of weathering and erosion, nicks, scratches, losses, small chips, and structural cracks.

Weight: 11 kg (incl. base)
Dimensions: Height 27 cm (excl. base) and 39.5 cm (incl. base)

Mounted to a modern metal base. (2)

Literature comparison:
Compare a sandstone head of Indra with similar facial features, dated ca. 2nd century, Mathura or Ahicchatra, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1987.218.12a, b.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's New York, 19 March 2014, lot 1069
Price: USD 60,000 or approx. EUR 71,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A red sandstone head of Buddha, India, Mathura, Kushan period, 2nd/3rd century
Expert remark: Compare the related facial features, incision work to the eyes, and round face. Note the size (33.5 cm).