Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st century CE. A large grey schist carving of a standing Buddha. The draping of his clothing is particularly finely carved. 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, which this Buddha exemplifies. Size: 4.75" W x 14" H (12.1 cm x 35.6 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private Florida collection

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