Head of a Bodhisattva

China (Xinjiang Autonomous Region)

Not on view

The delicate modeling of the hair and face provide a sense of the sophisticated sculptural production at Rawak. Early photographs show that this bodhisattva originally had an elaborate topknot, suggestive of the figure of the future Buddha Maitreya. This bodhisattva also had flowers in his hair, earrings, and an elaborate halo embellished with multiple Buddha images (similar to 30.32.33 and 30.32.44). The use of unfired red clay is a technical feature shared with late Afghan Buddhist imagery.

Head of a Bodhisattva, Red clay with traces of color, China (Xinjiang Autonomous Region)

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