Reddish terracotta. Gandhara, approx. 4th to 5th cent.
Very feminine form of this depiction of a female Devi deity. This is a very rare large terracotta sculpture from the late Gandhara Period. Interestingly, the Indian influence is here quite restrained in view of the typical Greco-Roman style of invaders following Alexander the Great. Exact classification is not possible, since both arms are missing and no attribute exists. Very good condition nevertheless of head area with its finely designed facial features, obviously reflecting the Hellenistic heritage. Breast, arms and the very short apron are lavishly decorated. Large sun-shaped emblem over the forehead. The athletic shoulders and voluptuous breasts lend the appearance – together with high coiffure – an awesome effect. The sculpture is mounted on a solid black base.
HEIGHT (WITHOUT BASE) 63 CM, WITH BASE 76 CM
From the collection of a French aristocratic family, tracing back to the collection of Évariste Regis Huc (1813 – 1860). Évariste Regis Huc was a French missionary and explorer, who was world famous for his crossing of Mongolia, Tibet and China. He might have been also the first European to reach Lhasa in 1846. The collection was systematically recorded and documented, among was also the present object, however no indication of specific time of acquisition.