Gandharan Gray Schist Bust of Maitreya, 2th-3th Century

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Gandharan Gray Schist Bust of Maitreya, 2th-3th Century

About the Item

The Buddha of the Future is represented like a young prince, wearing the paridhâna, that wraps his hips, and the uttariya, this heavy coat, folded loose-fitting around his left shoulder, leaving the muscular torso bare. He is wearing also the complete jewelry set of the whealthy local princes, a kushan moustache and an elaborate headdress, the hair in heavy locks is partly secured in a topknot (which is the Greek krobylos) with a jeweled headband in the kushan taste. The remaining hair is falling in supple curled cascades on the shoulders, reminding the ascetic character of Maitreya. It's a very finely carved representation of the bodhisattva, expressing his complex nature (Past-Present-Future) and using different cultural and aesthetical influences. Analyzing the stylistic impact, we can claim that our piece has been sculpted in the context of the main religious center of Takht-i-bahai - Sahri-bahlol (see the similarities of the face features but also the treatment of the torso and cloths with the Maitreya of the Lahore Museum, Pakistan, Inv. Number 289, attested like originate from this important religious complex). The Maitreya figure of the Metropolitan Museum (Inv. Number 1991-1975, @gallery 235) shows a lot of similarities with our sculpture, but also the one of the Avery Bundage Collection (Inv. Number B60S597). For a parallel to the headdress and the voluntary check, see the Maitreya at the Musée Guimet (AO 2908), when the noble and the stately bearing, tempered by a strange gentleness, is similar to the Maitreya of the British Museum (OA 1880. 72), attested like coming from Jammalgarhi. This comparison allows us to affirm the stylistic difference with the pieces coming from the region of center Gandhara, like the sites of Takht-i-Bahai or Sahri-Bahlol. Like the sculptures attested from these two important religious centers, our Maitreya is showing more vigorous folds, with simpler and stronger lines, providing simultaneously an impression of fluidity, also shows the eyebrow arches more elongated and clear, slightly drooping and express the same stately demeanor. Gandharan Art, 2th-3th century Provenance: Private Collection Paris 2008; Christie’s NY March 2008 lot 552; Private Collection NY, June 1955; René Jaquerod, Zürich.

Dimensions:
Height: 26.7 in (67.8 cm)Width: 15.75 in (40 cm)Depth: 4.34 in (11 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Schist,Carved
Place of Origin:
Asia
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
2th-3th Century
Condition:
Condition: nose restored, a few light fillings.
Seller Location:
Paris, FR
Reference Number:
Seller: 98091stDibs: LU3661110574853