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Sarnath: Head of a Buddha
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Sarnath: Head of a Buddha
INDIA, Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi; circa 5th century; Sandstone; H: 26 cm; National Museum, New Delhi, India
Sarnath and Mathura emerged as important sculptural centers during the Gupta period (circa 320–550). The modeling of the Buddha's face in this sculpture is softer and more rounded than Mathura sculptures. The half-closed eyes and relaxed full-lipped mouth suggest that he is in meditation. The tightly curled hair, raised usnisa, extended earlobes and three lines on the neck depicted here are among the Thirty-Two Marks of Excellence seen on a Buddha. The Buddha's bodily form is considered the perfect human being, exhibiting harmony, poise, and calm. |
