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figurine

MAS.1082

stucco

Overview

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Title

Stucco head of a male figure. This is probably the representation of a Bodhisattva, with an elaborate hairstyle and the remains of a headdress still visible. The long hair that falls over the forehead in short curls and hangs in long wavy tresses on the shoulders. The head was made using a mould but the curls of hair were moulded and applied separately. Traces of a white slip are still visible.;

Date

600 to 799

Find site

Mingoi site

Measurement

height 20.5 centimetres

Material

stucco

Language / script

not applicable

Subject

bodhisattva

Description

Scope and content : Stucco head of a male figure. This is probably the representation of a Bodhisattva, with an elaborate hairstyle and the remains of a headdress still visible. The long hair that falls over the forehead in short curls and hangs in long wavy tresses on the shoulders. The head was made using a mould but the curls of hair were moulded and applied separately. Traces of a white slip are still visible.;

Institution

British Museum

Provenance

Stein 1906-8

Find site identifier

Min.

Stein site number

Mi.xv.0010

Find site description

Site near Shorchuk, Karashahr, 20-30 miles east of Lake Baghrash on the northern arm of the Silk Road. It is called 'Ming-oi' meaning the 'Thousand Houses' and consists of an extensive collection of Buddhist shrines. Stein excavated there on his second expedition to Chinese Central Asia. Hedin and Grünwedel had excavated there previously.

Short description : Buddhist Caves north of Korla

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