GANDHARAN SCHIST HEAD OF BODHISATTVACa. 200-300 AD. A richly carved in grey schist, combining naturalism of the classical Greek style with the Asian serenity of Buddhist art. He displays a serene expression recalling the compassionate disposition of the bodhisattva, who remains in the mortal realm to help sentient being free themselves from its grip of suffering. The head is finely shaped, the nose in aquiline, an elaborate coiffure that radiates from the top of the head and is fashioned in a loosely parted topknot, he has long curly hair and a moustache. The bodhisattva is adorned with braided necklace, the forehead is centred by an incised urna. Size: L:260mm / W:160mm ; 4.3kg Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s in Belgium; previously in 1970s European collection.

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