Lot 45A
Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 200 BCE to 100 CE. A dynamic Dionysiac scene, hand-carved in schist in high relief and enveloped in deep, forest green glaze. Silenus and a maenad - 2 members of the thiasus or Dionysus's retinue - stand underneath an ornate, pointed arch. Draped in a peplos that belts at the waist, the maenad stands in contrapposto and gazes downward to her right, a floral wreath crowning her head. Beside her, the bearded Silenus drunkenly stumbles forward, seemingly leaning on her shoulder for support while carrying a chalice in his left hand; an exomis falling from his left shoulder, covering his bulging belly and ending at his knees. At either side of the arch, standing on its curlicued ends, is a nude putto wearing a prominent wreath and turning inward to observe the drunken stupor before them with a single hand raised. Luscious bunches of grapes - traditional Dionysiac symbols of wine - are suspended below each end of the arch. Size: 9" W x 10.7" H (22.9 cm x 27.2 cm); 12.3" H (31.2 cm) on included custom stand.
Gandharans are famous for their schist carvings. Vast monastic institutions like those at Takht-i-Bahi, Sahri-Bahlol, Jamal Garhi, Ranigat, and Thareli were decorated by skilled artisans with carved representations of important figures, religious scenes, and artistic dedications. During this time, Gandhara was exceptionally wealthy, profiting from trade along the Silk Road; patrons had resources to spend on the arts, creating a flowering of artwork. Some of this artwork is thought to be inspired by Dionysus and the Greco-Roman influence on Gandharan art and culture. Both the male figure with his chalice as well as the grapes signify the meaning of this scene.
Provenance: private Marysville, California, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery auction, October 31, 2019, lot 124; ex-East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010; ex-private J. Mazard collection, New York, USA, acquired in the 1980s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#171145
- Condition: Repairs to base, proper left side, and torso and leg of Silenus with light restoration over break lines. Expected nicks, abrasions, and some light softening of detail. Otherwise, excellent with great remaining glaze.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |