A fragmentary gray schist figure of a turbaned bodhisattva, Ancient region of Gandhara, 3rd / 4th century

Collection of Paul E. Manheim (1906-1999), New York.

Sotheby's New York, 20th September 1985, lot 189.

Brooklyn Museum, New York, 1967-1983 (on loan).

Although lacking the identifying attributes, this finely carved bust probably depicts the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara, who is usually represented wearing an ornate turban. In some representations, Avalokiteshvara holds a lotus at the center of the chest, as is possibly the case in the present work.

It was originally in the collection of Paul E. Manheim (1906-1999), a partner of the Wall Street firm Lehman Brothers. He served on the Board of Trustees to the Brooklyn Museum and played an instrumental role in the development of its collection of Asian art.