GRECO-BUDDHIC ART OF GANDHARA, 3rd-4th century... Lot 73

GRECO-BUDDHIC ART OF GANDHARA, 3rd-4th century A.D. Large Boddhisattva head in patinated stucco, with regular features, half-closed eyes expressing serenity, forehead encircled by a gold-plated ring. The hair is partly raised and forms a bun tied at the front of the head, held in place by a headband, with curls falling over the ears. (Restoration to the face, missing parts). H. 28 cm - W. 25 cm - D. 15.5 cm Note : The Gandhara region, in present-day Pakistan, is one of the two regions, along with Amarâvatî on the east coast of India, that vie for pre-eminence as the cradle of anthropomorphic representations of the Buddha, who was exclusively depicted in symbols until the beginning of our era. Gandhara sculptures of Buddha and Bodhisattva, in stucco or schist, bear witness to a region that was an important commercial crossroads between the West, India and China, and was strongly influenced by Greco-Roman culture. Provenance: Abbaye de Reigny, Vermenton (89270) Expert : Cabinet ANSAS