Head of an ascetic

Ancient region of Gandhara 

Stucco, traces of polychromy 

3rd - 5th century CE

Likely one of Buddha's disciples
Mahanama, Koudanna, Bhaddiya,
Vappa or Asvajita who gathered to
listen to his first sermon after he
gained enlightenment. This small piece
of sculpture illustrates the sensitivity
achieved by artists working in the
tradition of the “Hadda school”. First a
mould would be used to produce the
rough overall stucco form around a
coarse core, then the sculptor would
refine the image whilst still wet. After
the stucco was set  (which in correct
atmospheric conditions sets as
calcium carbonate) mineral based
pigments would be applied to the
surface. 

Provenance. Ex Roger Moss collection
(1936-2020)
Mounted on a Chinese hardwood
stand.