Head of Bodhisattva
Description
From the shape and feature of their face and hairstyle and their expressiveness, this head likely represents bodhisattvas.
Numerous similar isolated stucco heads have survived from both Afghanistan and Pakistan and they are generally dated to the 4th–5th century. This head is one among the finest to have survived. The head looks frontally and there are some
losses on the face. The ears are without any ornaments. Nevertheless, it is a strongly modelled face with handsomely
proportioned features. While much of the hair is covered in encrustations, the projecting wavy hairline gives the face a greater sense of volume. The lips are particularly well shaped with the upper lip imitating the shape of a bow and the lower reflecting the soft sensuousness of Gupta period figures.
Collection
Ancient Civilisations
Object Type
Figurine
Material
Polychromed stucco
Schools/Culture/Period
Gandharan
Technique
--
Date
5th century CE
Location
Afghanistan or Pakistan
Dimension
15.5 cm