Head of Bodhisattva

Photo by Jules Barthoux ©GrandPalaisRmn - Guimet Museum
Location
Tapa-i Kafarihā1
Description
Bodhisattva head of Central Asian inspiration. The headdress is original: a diadem of round pearls, whose diameter increases as they approach the central square pearl, all topped by a fan-shaped palmette. On either side of the tiara, at the level of the ears, two small pointed hornlets emerge. The hair is curled, treated in parallel waves framing the forehead. The half-length hair reveals deformed lobes. The traits are idealized: half-closed eyes, smiling expression, round face. On the forehead, just above the eyebrows, a stucco button represents the ūrṇā. There are slight traces of polychromy and the eyebrows were painted.
1928 / today


Excavation photograph by Jules Barthoux (1928) juxtaposed with a recent photograph by Alexandra Vanleene.
Characteristics
Dimensions
H: 16cm
Technique
Modelling
Material
Stucco
Object type
Figure
Site
Tapa-i Kafarihā - 1
Conservation location
Guimet Museum
Museum inventory No.
MG 17238
Traces of polychromy
Yes
Restoration
No restoration
Dimensions
H: 16cm
Technique
Modelling
Material
Stucco
Object type
Figure
Site
Tapa-i Kafarihā - 1
Conservation location
Guimet Museum
Museum inventory No.
MG 17238
Traces of polychromy
Yes
Restoration
No restoration
Bibliographic Reference
Part of the themed routes