Asian Art
Head of Jina
Sculpture
Details
- Author / creator
- India, Mathura, Kushan period
- Object type
- Sculpture
- Date or period
- c. 150–75 CE
- Dimensions summary
- Overall: 21.6 × 18.3 cm
- Maker or workshop
- India, Mathura, Kushan period
- Period / style
- Gothic
- Place of origin
- India
- Acquisition method
- Purchase
- Credit line
- Purchased with the National Heritage Memorial Fund, 1962
- Image rights
- Public domain (CC0)
About this object
The short rows of hair show the new growth after this figure pulled out every lock by hand. Such a radical act demonstrated renunciation from a society that dictated the wearing of long hair to be covered by a turban. Since there is no protrusion at the top of the head, he can be recognized as a Jina, rather than a Buddha or other holy man. His slight smile and placid alert gaze communicate the power, bliss, and wisdom of one who has reached a state of pure knowing and liberation from delusions.
Materials and technique
Red mottled sandstone
