Ancient India – Northern India, Gangetic Valley Terracotta Terracotta head of a Bodhisattva - 15 cm
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Current bid
€ 550
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 2,000 - € 2,500
 | €550 | |
|---|---|---|
| €500 | |
| €480 | |
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Original terracotta head of a Bodhisattva from North India, Gupta period (5th–6th century AD), with dimensions 15 × 11.5 × 10 cm and a modern metal base, in good condition; provenance private Belgian collection, acquired from Galerie/Antiquaire, previously acquired in 1979 in Belgium.
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Description from the seller
Important terracotta Bodhisattva head, Northern India, Gupta period, Ve–VIe century AD, probably the 6th century.
The head displays a powerful and highly expressive modelling: a full face with elongated eyes, strongly drawn eyebrow arches, full lips and an elaborately styled coiffure consisting of broad locks in volutes. The ears bear heavy circular ornaments, while a slightly raised urṇa, confirmed upon physical examination at the center of the forehead, supports the identification as Bodhisattva.
The piece is hollow and strongly modelled on the front and on the profiles. Its reverse, today fragmentary and not intended for viewing, indicates that it likely belonged to a larger sculptural or architectural ensemble, in keeping with a well-documented practice in the major centers of terracotta in the Ganges Valley during the Gupta period.
The style shows strong affinities with the productions of Ahichchhatra, notably in the treatment of the face, the coiffure and the ornaments, although no precise archaeological provenance can be asserted.
Beautiful old surface with even wear and deposits in the hollows. Presented on a modern metal base.
Provenance: former private Belgian collection, formed between 1979 and 2009, then transmitted by succession in 2023.
Dimensions without base: 15 × 11.5 × 10 cm.
Total height with base: 22 cm.
Weight without base: 958 g.
No thermoluminescence test has been carried out; attribution rests on material, stylistic and comparative examination of the work.
video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/7p4an2pfqgicsxkqeky5k/AKifVlMVNakbdyEYvuNEKW0?rlkey=iiqke03ctl5leman7gz2nf2uu&dl=0
Important terracotta Bodhisattva head, Northern India, Gupta period, Ve–VIe century AD, probably the 6th century.
The head displays a powerful and highly expressive modelling: a full face with elongated eyes, strongly drawn eyebrow arches, full lips and an elaborately styled coiffure consisting of broad locks in volutes. The ears bear heavy circular ornaments, while a slightly raised urṇa, confirmed upon physical examination at the center of the forehead, supports the identification as Bodhisattva.
The piece is hollow and strongly modelled on the front and on the profiles. Its reverse, today fragmentary and not intended for viewing, indicates that it likely belonged to a larger sculptural or architectural ensemble, in keeping with a well-documented practice in the major centers of terracotta in the Ganges Valley during the Gupta period.
The style shows strong affinities with the productions of Ahichchhatra, notably in the treatment of the face, the coiffure and the ornaments, although no precise archaeological provenance can be asserted.
Beautiful old surface with even wear and deposits in the hollows. Presented on a modern metal base.
Provenance: former private Belgian collection, formed between 1979 and 2009, then transmitted by succession in 2023.
Dimensions without base: 15 × 11.5 × 10 cm.
Total height with base: 22 cm.
Weight without base: 958 g.
No thermoluminescence test has been carried out; attribution rests on material, stylistic and comparative examination of the work.
video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/7p4an2pfqgicsxkqeky5k/AKifVlMVNakbdyEYvuNEKW0?rlkey=iiqke03ctl5leman7gz2nf2uu&dl=0
Details
Culture
Ancient India – Northern India, Gangetic Valley
Century/timeframe
Ve–VIe siècle apr. J.-C. | Période Gupta, probablement VIe siècle
Name of object
Terracotta head of a Bodhisattva
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
15 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1979
Width
11.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
10 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
