Head of Buddha
4th century
Asia: Afghanistan
Not on View

Although Buddhism originated in India, its influence can be seen all over the world. This Buddha sculpture was made in the ancient kingdom of Gandhara, located in what is now northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. Gandhara was located along the Silk Road, the main mercantile route that connected the East and the West. Images of the Buddha from Gandhara reflect the international character of this kingdom, especially seen in the Greco-Roman influences of this sculpture. The ushnisha is interpreted as a luscious chignon, similar to those used for statues of gods and goddesses in Greek and Roman art.

Details

  • Title: Head of Buddha
  • Date: 4th century
  • Medium: Stucco
  • Dimensions: 6 in. (15.2 cm)
  • Credit Line: Norton Simon Art Foundation
  • Accession Number: M.1977.30.09.S
  • Copyright: © Norton Simon Art Foundation

Object Information

  • Christie's,
  • Pal, Pratapaditya, Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum, Volume 1: Art from the Indian Subcontinent, 2003, no. 22a p. 54
  • Campbell, Sara, Collector Without Walls: Norton Simon and His Hunt for the Best, 2010, cat. 1465b p. 410

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