FINE SCHIST HEAD OF BODHISATTVA MAITREYA
3rd - 4th Century AD
Code: 0797A - POA

The face is youthful with strongly defined, handsome features and a curling moustache. His wavy hair is pulled back from the forehead and encircled by a diadem consisting of four rows of pearls culminating in faceted finials attached to a central bead. This is probably based on actual jewellery of the period. A raised urna is positioned between the delicately arched eyebrows.

A horizontal piece of hair on the top of the head forms a double loop which is tied by a strand of hair in the middle, a style normally associated with the Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future.

References:
Czuma, S; Kushan Sculpture: Images from Early India, Cleveland, 1985,p. 205, fig 114.
Zwalf, W; A Catalogue of the Gandhara Sculpture in the British Museum, London, 1996, pp. 36 – 48, figs 50 – 73. . Mounted on a museum quality display stand
Height including stand: 21" (53cm)
Measurements not including stand: 12.5" (32cm),
Weight: