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Head of a Bodhisattva
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Head of a Bodhisattva
AFGHANISTAN; circa 4th–5th century; Terracotta; H: 31.1 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
Scholars consider this head part of a statue of Prince Siddhartha before his enlightenment and is believed to be unearthed from Tapa-i-Shotor at Hadda. The curly hair is gathered around the ears, which are not elongated, and is tied up into a rounded topknot. A depression in the center of the forehead contained what was probably a jeweled urna. The facial features are distinguished by a straight, well-defined nose, and a small mouth. The figure has a lifelike and youthful appearance, with smooth skin that reflects the light. The eyes are inlaid with garnet and stare straight ahead, adding to the figure’s expressive appearance. |
