GANDHARAN STONE HEAD OF BODHISATTVA

Possibly Gandharan Ca. AD 300 or later.A Gandharan head of a Bodhisattva finely carved from stone. The deity is portrayed in a naturalistic manner, with a delicately sculpted nose and closed lips, adorned with a subtle moustache. The eyes, rendered with almond-shaped contours and heavy-lidded lids, exude a sense of tranquillity and wisdom. Between the expressive eyes, the urna, a distinctive mark symbolising the third eye, represents spiritual insight and enlightenment. The ears, adorned with elaborate and weighty earrings, signify the Bodhisattva's elevated status and spiritual attainment. The finely sculpted curly hair are gathered in a topknot. Size: 380mm x 230mm; Weight: 16.95kg Provenance: Private London collection; formerly in French 1970s collection.