Stucco head from Gandharan Empire, ca. 3rd to 4th century CE. A gorgeous, mold-formed stucco head of an elderly male, naturalistically presented in the traditional Graeco-Buddhist style. The head is composed of a gaunt face with recessed eyes, pronounced eye brows, large ears with elongated lobes, a flowing mustache above an abundant beard, and well-contoured cheeks, all set beneath a thin headband with a raised stippling pattern and a notched cap above. The head’s somewhat emaciated depiction suggests he is an ascetic, an individual who foregoes any form of indulgence or physical pleasure to maintain and demonstrate their religious devotion.

Gandharans are famous for schist and stucco carvings, with stucco replacing schist as the dominant sculptural material around the 3rd century CE. Vast monastic institutions like those at Takht-i-Bahi, Sahri-Bahlol, Jamal Garhi, Ranigat, and Thareli were decorated by skilled artisans with stucco representations of important figures, religious scenes, and artistic dedications. Stucco allowed artists more freedom in portraying lifelike features, as shown in the gaunt features of the face here.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection, ex collection of Dr. James Reardon, NY 1990’s