Lot 36A
Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st century CE. A wonderful rare depiction, hand-carved from a single piece of grey schist, of a Dana (a Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Sikh concept, the embodiment of giving, generosity, and charity) crouched down and holding a small, pigeon-like bird atop a flat, round pedestal. There are remains of a reddish-purple pigment, especially on the bird's head and the hands. Size: 4" L x 3" W x 6.5" H (10.2 cm x 7.6 cm x 16.5 cm)
The figure is well-modeled, with a realistic body and plenty of details incised on the feet, hands, hair, beard, and genitals. The Gandharan Empire made itself wealthy in part by controlling lucrative trade along the mountain passes between China in the East and the Near East and Mediterranean in the West; a great deal of this wealth went into local patronage of artisans and art. In the first century CE, Buddhism became fashionable amongst Gandharan elites, and the art produced at this time depicting the Buddha are some of the most striking Buddhist images from the past. Their artistic tradition also reflects the conquest of Alexander the Great and the introduction of styles from all sides, blended into a uniquely Gandharan tradition. In this piece, you can see the influence of Greek naturalist sculpture, particularly in the well-depicted curves of the man's legs.
Provenance: Ex-private New Jersey collection
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#120672
- Condition: One arm has been repaired, as has a hand. Nice remaining traces of red/purple pigment.
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