Lot 59
Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. An impressive, hand-carved schist relief of Buddha with 2 attendants. Seated in lotus position with hands in his lap, the tranquil deity gazes forward, displaying a serene visage flanked by elongated ears - a symbol of his divinity - and capped by an ushnisha. A robe is draped from his left shoulder, as an attendant stands on either side of him, each wearing belted tunics and turban-like headdresses as they bend their arms at the elbows. Buddha's head is encircled by a circular halo, just below 2 bunches of cascading palm leaves. Size: 8.5" W x 4.5" H (21.6 cm x 11.4 cm)
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 included 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 Western aesthetics, blended into a uniquely Gandharan tradition.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private New York City, New York, USA collection
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#169783
- Condition: Fragment of a larger piece. Repaired from 2 pieces with break line visible. Some losses to top. Nicks, chips, and abrasions to some areas. Light softening of some finer details. Otherwise, excellent with rich earthen deposits.
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