Goose (Hamsa) with Floral Tail

Art Historical Context

This delightful stucco sculpture, titled *Goose (Hamsa) with Floral Tail*,ails from the Khotan Kingdom in China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region during the 6th–7th century. Measuring just 6½ x 7½ inches, it captures a graceful goose—known as the hams in ancient traditions—with an elaborate floral tail, rendered in vibrant colors on a molded stucco base. Stucco, a plaster-like medium, was widely used in Central Asian architecture for its versatility, allowing artists to sculpt intricate details and apply pigments for lifelike effects. Originating from Khotan, a thriving Silk Road oasis state, this...