Ca. 200-300 AD. A carved dark schist head of a bodhisattva with its soft, rounded cheekpieces, lovely smile, and almost closed almond-shaped eyes, this piece exudes a serene and otherworldly quality. The delicately arched brows and slender nose add to the sense of refined elegance, while the rounded chin gives the face a sense of gentle strength. The bodhisattva's hair is covered with an ornate headpiece, adding to the overall sense of grace and beauty. In the Buddhist tradition, the bodhisattva is an enlightened being who has chosen to postpone their own entry into Nirvana in order to help others attain enlightenment. Through their acts of compassion and selflessness, they embody the ideal of spiritual attainment and serve as an inspiration to all who seek enlightenment. In Gandharan art, the depiction of bodhisattvas was a common theme, and many examples of such sculptures have been found throughout the region. These works often portray the bodhisattva with a sense of serenity and grace, using subtle details to convey a sense of spiritual depth and insight.Size: L:200mm / W:125mm ; 3.52kgProvenance: Private London collection; acquired in Japan between 2000 - 2005; formerly in an old Japanese collection.