Gandharan Stucco Head of Buddha – 3rd–4th Century CE – with Certificate of Authenticity

Careful examination under ×10 magnification and raking light reveals an authentic work presenting all the markers of period Gandharan production. The homogeneous shell patina, micro cooking marks and traces of original polychromy confirm the authenticity of the piece.

The head presents the canonical lakṣaṇa of Buddha: high uṣṇīṣa with regular wavy locks, half-closed eyelids in meditative attitude, fine mouth with softened corners, elongated and perforated earlobes. The fine modeling testifies to the technical mastery of Gandharan artisans.

The reverse presents an open cervical base allowing reading of the material stratigraphy, confirming the absence of modern restorations.

Flan and edge

The sculpture presents some ancient chips on the reliefs (nose, locks, lobes) and small gaps at the cervical base, testifying to its authenticity and venerable age.

Material: stucco (lime-gypsum mortar) with remains of coating and polychromy. Dimensions: 20.5 × 6 × 6 cm (excluding base). Technique: modeling/molding with manual retouching.

From the 3rd to 5th century, Gandhāra workshops widely used stucco for monastic statuary, allowing fine modeling and discrete polychromy. This period marks the peak of Greco-Buddhist dialogue in the region.

This head constitutes an excellent witness to Gandharan statuary and primitive Buddhist iconography, ideal for understanding the artistic origins of Buddhism.

Piece accompanied by certificate of authenticity, from established European collections, sold in compliance with international regulations.