Bidspirit auction | GANDHARAN STONE HEAD OF YAKSA

GANDHARAN STONE HEAD OF YAKSA MARA PUTRA - Ca. 100 BC - AD 100. A striking terracotta head from Gandh?ra, depicting a yak?a or M?ra-putra, guardian spirit and adversary of the Buddha. The wide-open eyes, deeply furrowed brows and gaping mouth convey an intense, almost theatrical expression of menace. The flowing locks and beard, carved in sweeping ridges, recall Hellenistic stylistic models adapted to Buddhist narrative art. Such figures often flanked scenes of the Buddha’s temptation, embodying the forces of chaos and obstruction to enlightenment. This fragment captures the rare pathos of Gandh?ran sculpture, in contrast to the serene calm of the Buddha images.Size: 270mm x 170mm; Weight: 6.09kgProvenance: From a professional UK collection of Asian and Himalayan art; previously with a London gallery, ex. A.H. collection; formerly acquired in France between 1980 and 2005.This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.