Lot 227: A GANDHARAN GREY SCHIST HEAD OF BUDDHA, 2ND - 4TH CENTURY A.D

This carved grey schist head represents the Buddha, originating from the ancient region of Gandhara and dating approximately to the 2nd to 4th century AD. The piece is executed in the distinctive Greco-Buddhist style, characterised by the fusion of Classical Hellenistic features with Buddhist iconography. The face displays a meditative countenance with heavy-lidded, almond-shaped eyes set under gently arched brows, and a circular urna positioned at the centre of the forehead. A finely carved moustache is visible above the lips. The hair is arranged in thick, wavy tresses swept back into a prominent ushnisha at the crown. The reverse of the carving is flat and roughly finished, which is consistent with its original function as part of a high-relief architectural frieze or placement within a niche. The fragment terminates at the base of the neck with an irregular break.

L: 12cm