Head of a Bodhisattva

Eastern India

Gupta period, 5-6th century

Terracotta 

H17cm

TL tested Oxford 17/03/2016, ref. N116c12

Head of a Boddhisattva in his form of Avalokiteshvara. His hair with prominent curls fixed with a tiara is including an image of a seated Buddha in relief.  

The face is modeled with bulging almond shaped eyes with incised pupils. The curved brows are meeting the ridge of the nose. A few teeth appear in his open mouth. This figure has all the characteristics of the Gupta period, a full face with pronounced fleshy lips and open eyes; a very powerful and sensuous presentation.

In the 4th century, following the rise of the Gupta rulers, who extended their control over Northern and Central India as well as Bangladesh, the full flowering of classical Indian civilization took place. Gupta art is considered the highlight of Indian civilization and the Gupta artists were renowned for depicting their Hindu and Buddhist gods with great skill and lively expression.