A FINE GREY SCHIST FIGURE OF AVALOKITESHVARA

Description:

Ancient Gandhara region, 2nd/3rd c.
H. 67 cm
Seated in vajrasana on a conical-shaped base, both hands resting in dhyanamudra while holding a lotus-flower, wearing dhoti, scarf draped over his left shoulder, bejewelled, his face displaying a serene expression with downcast eyes below arched eyebrows, raised urna at his forehead, moustache framing his lips, his hair combed in a chignon and a head-halo behind.
Old German private collection, acquired at Sotheby's New York, 3.7.1980, lot 79 by the present owner
This sculpture is a classic example of the Gandharan period, exhibiting many of its stylistic characteristics. The influence of the Greco-Roman aesthetic is apparent in the naturalistic treatment of the robe and hairstyle and in the realism of the facial expression. The construction and arrangement of the superbly carved garment and the iconographic elements are Indian in origin and include a rich diversity of jewellery and elaborate ornamentation. All these are typical for the depiction of an important bodhisattva during the period of this first distinctive Buddhist school of art. In addition, the use of extremely hard dense schist for such temple images is common.
Partly chipped, part of the mandorla lost, partly rest.