Important Notice

Red Sandstone
4th Century

Kushan Dynasty
Uttar Pradesh

Height: 8.5 in (21.6 cm)


This lovely head of a Bodhisattva originates from the famed Kushan Dynasty. The powerful dynasty, formed in the early 1st century, ruled various regions from Afghanistan to the North West of the Indian sub continent. Apart from Uttar Pradesh, the Kushan Dynasty is also responsible for the Gandharan sculptures produced in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

A Bodhisattva is a wonderful being who is on the brink of enlightenment. They are said to defer the final step towards enlightenment so as to stay on for the benefit of mankind.

This sculpture has a confident and radiant expression. The lips have a curve typical of the style of the dynasty. A crown adorns the head. The stone has an excellent aged patina. This patina has enhanced the beauty and power of this fine piece. Such expressive specimens from the Kushan Dynasty are hard to come by as sculptures from this era tend to get weathered completely due to the nature of the stone and the age.

A similar example was sold by this auction house in the sale 'Indian Antiquities and Miniature Paintings' held on 25-26 April, 2012 (lot 34).

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