Description:

Ancient Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st century BCE to 3rd century CE. A large stone architectural element featuring a rosette medallion of a lotus flower carved from a gray schist stone then covered in a brown stucco. The concentric rings of petals radiate symmetrically outward from the cylindrical center or carpel. The remaining surface area surrounding the exterior petals is smooth and uncarved, the remains of a tenon is visible on the left bottom edge. This may have been a crossbar for a temple railing. In Buddhist art, the fully blooming lotus flower symbolizes Enlightenment. In the first century CE, Buddhism became fashionable amongst Gandharan elites, and the art produced at this time often depicts Buddhist symbols. Size: 16" L x 2.5" W x 15" H (40.6 cm x 6.4 cm x 38.1 cm); 17.75" H (45.1 cm) on included custom stand.

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. 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,

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#174704

  • Condition: Fragment of a larger piece as shown. Losses to face outside of lotus petals. Some losses to tips of outermost petals, but otherwise very good preservation to medallion. Surface wear commensurate with age. Chipping Abd flaking to stucco surface. Overall good condition!

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September 29, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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