Bust of Buddha Gray Schist Ancient Region of Gandhara, Kushan Period

Depicted with angular features, long, tapering almond-shaped eyes, high cheekbones, an aquiline nose and bow-shaped lips, the hair arranged in zig-zag waves rising to form an usnisha, the robes heavily pleated and covering both shoulders, a halo behind his head.

Washington D.C. Private Collection, acquired in 1970

Lot 264 Fairly even break along the middle of the chest, the robes chipped on the left side near the bottom edge. The halo with an irregular break from the top down to behind the right side of the head and onto the shoulder, the edges worn with age, the surface of the remaining halo exfoliated. The general surface chipped and pitted overall. The right earlobe chipped on the top edge. Otherwise the features clear and the condition generally good. No restoration.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Though a classic Gandhara style of drapery and hair, albeit rather stylized, the face compares to Kashmir Buddhist figures of the 5^th/6^th century, compare to a Kashmir stone bodhisattva published in Martin Lerner and Steven Kossak, The Lotus Transcendent: Indian and Southeast Asian art from the Samuel Eilenberg Collection, New York, 1991, p. 112, fig. 80.