A CARVED MARBLE HEAD OF A BODHISATTVA

The bird surmounting the hair bears tail feathers resembling those of a peacock, which is often mentioned in Buddhist texts and symbolizes wisdom and renewal. Therefore, it is possible that the present head represents that of the Peacock King, a former incarnation of Shakyamuni. The Peacock King is one of the Wisdom Kings, and is usually depicted as a female bodhisattva riding on a peacock.