A LARGE SCHIST HEAD OF MAITREYA, ANCIENT REGION OF GANDHARA, 2ND-3RD CENTURY

拍品描述

A LARGE SCHIST HEAD OF MAITREYA, ANCIENT REGION OF GANDHARA, 2ND-3RD CENTURY Kushan period. The oval face with heavy-lidded almond-shaped eyes articulated by broad arching eyebrows, a curling mustache extending widely across the lips and rounded chin, the hair set in undulating waves across the forehead secured with a double-looped knot, secured by a pearled string. Dimensions: Height 36 cm (excl. stand), 47.5 cm (incl. stand) With an associated stand. (2) This style of topknot is commonly assigned to Maitreya. The elegantly modeled face displays the classic fusion of Indic and Hellenistic artistic traditions that characterized Gandharan art. Indeed, the double-looped topknot crowning the deity's head is reminiscent of the kroibolis of the Apollo Belvedere and points directly to Greek influence. The serene countenance with its contemplative and deeply spiritual expression is masterfully executed. The jeweled headdress is part of the rich suite of aristocratic accoutrements known as bodhisattvabharana, which indicated the deity's divine identity and also acted as symbols representing the material and spiritual wealth to be gained by lay worshipers. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related Gandharan schist bust of Maitreya with similar topknot and hairband, 76.2 cm high, dated ca. 4th-5th century, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 42.25.15. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s Paris, 11 June 2014, lot 386 Price: EUR 49,500 or approx. EUR 61,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, manner of carving, and size (37 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 18 September 2013, lot 201 Price: USD 87,500 or approx. EUR 104,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and manner of carving with similar treatment of the face and topknot. Note the smaller size (22.8 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 22 September 2020, lot 349 Price: USD 75,600 or approx. EUR 83,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related treatment of the face and topknot with similar beaded string. Note the larger size (50 cm) and mottled stone.

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