Lion’s head

15 000,00

Red mottled sandstone
India, Mathura region
2nd century
H. 26 cm

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Description

This red sandstone sculpture is typical of the Mathura region in central India. Its naturalistic style is characteristic of early Buddhist art. This aspect is made possible by the stone used, which is easy to cut compared with schist, widely used in the Gandhara region, the other prosperous centre of the period.

The lion is a popular figure in the architectural repertoire of this period, symbolising royal authority and heroism. It is also an allegorical figure of the Buddha, since it represents the Sakya clan, the lineage from which the Buddha descended. It is conceivable that this lion stood at the entrance to a Buddhist temple.

While the Gandhara region is renowned for its cultural syncretism, Mathura enjoys the same dynamism, standing at the crossroads of diverse influences. This capital bears witness to the strong religious influence and cultural syncretism of the powerful Kusana dynasty.

Provenance: Jack Masey Collection, 1950s (by repute).