Lot 70
Ancient Central Asia, present-day north-west Pakistan and north-east Afghanistan, Gandhara, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A superb schist relief depicting the "Great Renunciation" in which Gautama Buddha departs from his palace at Kapilavastu to live a life as an ascetic. Deeply carved, the central scene shows Siddhartha in the palace preparing to leave as he sits on a couch with his wife, Yosodhara, lying asleep. To his left, stands Selene, the Greek moon goddess, holding a torch and indicating that the event is taking place at night, while 3 attendants accompany them. A pair of putti flank the trapezoidal roof of sawtooth motif as two additional scenes of 2 to 3 figures are shown at either side, separated by columns and topped by arboreal designs. A truly remarkable example of the intertwining of Hellenistic and Buddhist iconography and culture that exemplifies ancient Gandhara! Size: 23.8" L x 2.3" W x 10" H (60.5 cm x 5.8 cm x 25.4 cm)
At the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha-to-be, Brahmanas predicted that he would either become a world teacher or a world ruler. To prevent his son from turning to religious life, Prince Siddhartha's father did not allow him to see death or suffering, and distracted him with luxury. During his childhood, Prince Siddhartha had a meditative experience, which made him realize the suffering inherent in all existence. He grew up and experienced a comfortable youth. But he continued to ponder about religious questions, and when he was 29 years old, he saw for the first time in his life what became known in Buddhism as the four sights: an old man, a sick person and a corpse, as well as an ascetic that inspired him. Shortly after, Prince Siddhartha woke up at night and saw his female servants lying in unattractive poses, which shocked the prince. Moved by all the things he had experienced, the prince decided to leave the palace behind in the middle of the night against the will of his father, to live the life of an wandering ascetic, leaving behind his just-born son Rahula and wife Yasodhara. He traveled to the river Anomiya with his charioteer Chandaka and horse Kanthaka, and cut off his hair. Leaving his servant and horse behind, he journeyed into the woods and changed into monk's robes. Later, he met King Bimbisara, who attempted to share his royal power with the former prince, but the now ascetic Gautama refused.
The story of Prince Siddhartha's renunciation illustrates the conflict between lay duties and religious life, and shows how even the most pleasurable lives are still filled with suffering. Prince Siddhartha was moved with a strong religious agitation about the transient nature of life, but believed there was a divine alternative to be found, found in this very life and accessible to the honest seeker.
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.
A similar, though less intricate, Gandharan stone relief of the Renunciation that measured to 18.25 inches wide hammered $46,600 (now equivalent to $68,565.04) at Christie's New York on March 21st, 2008 (lot 533, Live Auction 1974).
Provenance: private London, UK collection; ex-private collection of a London gentleman, acquired in the early 2000s
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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#188487
- Condition: Fragment of a larger piece. Repaired with chipping along visible break lines. Expected nicks and abrasions as shown. Otherwise, very nice presentation with impressive preservation of detail. Light earthen deposits in recessed areas.
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 27.5% 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 |