Description:

Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 200 BCE to 400 CE. An amazing, detailed, and lifelike carving from hard grey schist of a horse's head and neck. The horse has a tightly cropped mane with forelock styled upward in a crest; it wears reins, a bridle, possibly a blinder, and is draped with a robe held in place by a large chain and medallion; all of this is expertly carved from the stone. Comes with custom stand. Size: 4.5" W x 4.55" H (11.4 cm x 11.6 cm); height on stand: 5.9" (15 cm).

Gandhara, situated along the Silk Road, collected artistic influences from the East (India) and the West (the ancient Near East and Classical world). Gandharan artisans were supported by Gandharan elites, who made their fortunes on trade and the transit of goods. They would have had extensive contact with the horse-riding nomads of central Asia, and we know that they were also influenced by the larger-than-life figure of Alexander the Great, whose beloved horse, Bucephalus, had multiple cities in the region named after him. The finery that this horse wears, alongside the attention to detail of its mane and tack, emphasizes the importance of the animal to this culture.

Provenance: Ex-private East Coast, USA collection

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#120783

  • Condition: Possible loss to top of mane; slight encrustation in lower profile areas.

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March 15, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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