Head of a Male, Probably a Bodhisattva (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
The prolific sculptors of Kushan-period Mathura were commissioned to create images for a variety of cultic contexts: Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain. This head probably came from a sculpture of a Buddhist Bodhisattva, a fully enlightened being who has chosen to remain in the world in order to assist others along the Buddhist path. His elaborate turban is a sign of his worldly ties. In contrast to the often cool, idealized faces of sculptures from Kushan-period Gandhara, the countenance of this Mathura piece is warm, open, and radiant.
Kushan period
Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection, Gift of Paul Mellon
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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