Head of Buddha

Historical period(s)
Kushan dynasty, 3rd century
School
Gandhara school
Medium
Schist
Dimensions
H x W x D: 27.5 x 17.8 x 16.5 cm (10 13/16 x 7 x 6 1/2 in)
Geography
Pakistan or Afghanistan
Credit Line
Gift of Ann and Alan Wolfe
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S1989.19
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Sculpture, Stone
Type

Figure: head: Buddha (fragment)

Keywords
Afghanistan, Buddha, Buddhism, Kushan dynasty (1st century BCE - 299 CE), Pakistan, ushnisha
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

This head of the Buddha, once framed by a halo and joined to a complete figure, would have been worshipped in a monastic shrine. The facial features and wavy hair show the Greek and Roman influences that arose through trade contacts with ancient Gandhara, an area now divided between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Collection Area(s)
South Asian and Himalayan Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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