Between c.100-400 A.D. Gandharan sculptors working in schist, terracotta and stucco produced
an astonishing number and variety of Buddhist images. Gandhara was situated at the crossroads
between east and west and thus came under a wide variety of artistic influences including Persian,
Greek and Indian. It also became an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from across Asia
as it was claimed that events from the Buddha's former lives had occurred in the area.
This stucco head displays the Gandharan tendency to combine realism around the nose, mouth
and cheek areas with deeply cut stylised eyes. Small traces of the original polychromy survive,
for example remains of a red pigment in the earlobes and around the hair-line. Traces of black
are also apparent in the curls of the hair. The hair is arranged in a top-knot. This was the
Gandharan version of the ushnisha, a mound on the head which symbolised the Buddha's
spiritual wisdom. Traces of an urna, or third eye, are also just visible on the forehead, outlined
in red. The bottom of both earlobes has been lost but it is still possible to make out their elongated
form. This was a reference to the Buddha's former wealth, symbolised by the effect of wearing
heavy earrings. Despite small areas of loss, the serenity of the expression, partly created
through the downcast eyes, has been preserved. This is beautiful example available at an
exceptional price.
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