Bodhisattva
Schist
Ancient region of Gandhāra
2nd – 3rd century
H. 67 cm or 26 ⅜ in
Description
The size of this outstanding Bodhisattva is quite impressive and its great realism indicates that it is a very beautiful example of Gandhāra art, commonly designated as “Greco-Buddhist art”. The hair is very skillfully carved and the many jewels as well as his clothing with a very beautiful drape give this compassionate being a princely look, just like the Kushan princes from India. The urnā above his nose reveals his suprahuman nature, in accordance with the Buddhist canonical texts.
Provenance: Private collection, France, 1932; Private collection, New York, 2007.
