Lot 37A
Central Asia, Northwest Pakistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A lovely schist panel intricately carved with the high relief image of 2 male archers, each with bow at ready and draped in an antariya - a lower body garment from ancient India. Backs to the viewer, the figures face left, holding out their bows with their left hands as they pull back the arrow with their right. They present slender bodies with curved backs and short coiffures. A palmette motif adorns the left as a column is shown to the right and a sawtooth pattern is incised into the top border. Note the artist's careful carving of their clothing with layered folds of fabric cascading down their figures, even wrapping around the arm of one figure, perhaps serving as an uttariya - a long scarf that covers the upper body. Size: 7.75" W x 3.75" H (19.7 cm x 9.5 cm); 4.75" H (12.1 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. 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: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#177286
- Condition: Fragment of a larger piece with chipping to peripheries. Losses to relief on right side with expected nicks and abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent preservation of detail and light earthen deposits in recessed areas.
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