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**First Time At Auction**

Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 3rd to mid-5th century CE. A stucco head portraying the Buddha's face with sensitively-modeled features characteristic of traditional Greco-Buddhist stylization. His serene visage is defined by ovoid eyes with extended corners beneath heavy lids, an urna symbolizing the third eye on the forehead, gently curving brows which taper downward to form the naturalistic nose, full lips with indented corners, a rounded chin, remains of his ears, and a smooth brow. Locks of curly, tightly-bound hair form the heart-shaped hairline. Size: 3.875" W x 4.25" H (9.8 cm x 10.8 cm)

Gandharans are famous for schist and stucco carvings, with stucco replacing schist as the dominant sculptural material around 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, as shown in this example. During this time, Gandhara was exceptionally wealthy, profiting from trade along the Silk Road. So patrons had resources to spend on the arts, resulting a flowering of stucco artwork.

Lucite stand in photos is not included.

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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#159751

A fragment from a larger figure. Losses to ends of earlobes, ushnisha atop head, coiffure, ends of long earlobes, and other areas of peripheries/high-pointed areas. Surface covered with root marks and deposits. Some softening and possible resurfacing of some details, particularly on the right proper side of face.

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