Head of a Bodhisattva Grey schist Ancient region of Gandhara, Kushan period

The finely carved head of the bodhisattva, an urna at the center of his forehead, his long narrow eyes half closed, his lips pursed, his face bearing a deeply meditative expression. He wears an ornate turban with a large central jewel flanked by fauns.    

Spink and Son, Ltd., 1970s

The use of Classical ornament underscores the Hellenistic influence on Gandharan art. For other bodhisattva images with elaborately carved turbans, see F. Tissot, Gandhara, Paris, 1985, figs, 171-183. 

Also compare crown elements to a Bodhisattva head from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art Collection, accession no. M.71.1.45, and see P. Pal, Indian Sculpture, Vol. I, Los Angeles, 1986, p. 168-169, no. S46.