India, 1st - 2nd Century, Kouchan Empire, Fragment Of Stele Representing A Face, Pink Sandstone

Fragment of stele depicting a face in profile

India, Mathura
Kouchan Empire, 1st-2nd century AD

Important face in profile with large, wide-open, slender eyes. The high cheekbones, the wide mouth with full lips overhanging a prognathic chin. The helmet-shaped hairstyle, a few persistent incisions on the forehead indicating that it was covered with fine furrows.

The Kushan Empire, located in Central Asia, was formed around the 2nd century BC around the Oxus River (Amu Darya), in the territories of ancient Bactria. From the end of the 1st century BC, the Kushan dynasty gradually extended its domination from Margiana (Persian satrapy in Turkmenistan) to Pataliputra (near Benares) or from the lower Indus to Syr Darya and Kashmir, its influence becoming felt on the Indian peninsula and in the Tarim basin. The Kushan Empire reached its peak during the reign of Kanishka (mid-1st century AD) during which Buddhism spread throughout Central Asia and hence into the Tarim basin.

Pink sandstone, black marble base
Wear and tear
23 x 20.2 cm including stand
Former collection of a French aristocratic family

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