Gandharan Painted Stucco Bodhisattva Head Circa 2nd-3rd century AD An exceptional stucco head of a Bodhisattva, modelled with a serene expression, almond-shaped eyes beneath arched brows, a straight nose and full lips with traces of red pigment. The figure wears an elaborate headdress decorated with prominent pointed leaf-shaped ornaments outlined in dark pigment, above a narrow band encircling the forehead. Wavy locks descend beside the face. Gandhara was an ancient region situated principally in present-day northwestern Pakistan, with its wider artistic sphere extending into eastern Afghanistan. Located along important commercial routes connecting the Indian subcontinent with Central Asia and the Mediterranean world, it became a major centre of Buddhist religion and artistic production. Following Alexander the Great's campaigns in the late 4th century BC, Greek artistic traditions became established in the region and subsequently interacted with Indian, Iranian and Central Asian influences. Size: 12cm x 7cm x 6.5cm Provenance: Private European Collection; formerly acquired from old UK and European collection formed since the 1970s. COMBINED SHIPPING We offer combined shipping only for items purchased in the same auction. You need to pay for these together; otherwise, the system will not combine shipping. We don't combine and refund shipping afterwards. SHIPPING WITHIN THE EU ONLY! We ship exclusively to addresses within the European Union. Please ensure that you can provide an EU delivery address before bidding.