Head of a Buddha or Bodhisattva. Afghanistan, probably Hadda, 5th-6th century AD. Clay, garnet (eyes). Metropolitan Museum of Art collection [3024×4032] [OC]
Head of a Buddha or Bodhisattva. Afghanistan, probably Hadda, 5th-6th century AD. Clay, garnet (eyes). Metropolitan Museum of Art collection [3024×4032] [OC]
This head gives a sense of the refinement of Afghan sculpture. Layers of clay were added over a core to build up the face; traces of the final white coat are visible on the cheek and forehead. The hair was produced using a mold and then applied separately to a substructure, part of which is visible at the top. The inset garnet eyes, an extremely rare feature, give the image great presence, as does the idealized yet naturalistic treatment of the face.
2 Comments
[display description](https://i.ibb.co/ZzPh0ZP1/20220115-174856.jpg)
[Head of a Buddha or Bodhisattva
Afghanistan, probably Hadda, 5th-6th century
Clay, garnet (eyes)
This head gives a sense of the refinement of Afghan sculpture. Layers of clay were added over a core to build up the face; traces of the final white coat are visible on the cheek and forehead. The hair was produced using a mold and then applied separately to a substructure, part of which is visible at the top. The inset garnet eyes, an extremely rare feature, give the image great presence, as does the idealized yet naturalistic treatment of the face.
Purchase, 1986
1986.2]
Someone dug out the best jewel in the forehead.