4th century, Gandhara period
Ancient region of Gandhara
Stucco with traces of gilding (no restoration)
H27cm
Private Swedish collection
Exquisitely modeled with the contours of his nose tapering into sharp arched brows framing heavy-lidded eyes centered by the urna. His wavy hair is gracefully tied in a perfect chignon, symbol of his divine wisdom. The inner calm and complacency is visible in the smile of his soft lips.
This fine example of stucco is distinguished by the traces of polychromy on the eyes, nose and ears.
They started to use stucco and terracotta in Gandharan sculpture from around the late 3rd century onwards, that allowed a greater finesse in modelling and portraiture.