Lot 59A
Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A fabulous relief schist of rectangular form from the base of a stupa. One side of the stone is carved in high relief to show a repeated motif of a seated Buddha with 2 attendants. In both images, Buddha sits on a tall, tiered throne, and his attendants fan him with large fronds. On the left, he sits with his hands in the Abhaya mudra, one palm raised and facing outward; this is the gesture of fearlessness and protection, representing spiritual power. On the right, he sits with his hands in the Dhyana mudra. This is a gesture of meditation, with the hands placed in the lap, right hand on left, with fingers full stretched out and palms facing upwards. In between these two figures is a tall, Classical-style column. Size: 9.7" W x 4" H (24.6 cm x 10.2 cm)
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: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, acquired prior to 2000
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#169823
- Condition: Fragment of a larger piece. Losses of head of 1 Buddha and 1 attendant. Expected nicks and abrasions, as well as softening of some finer details. Otherwise, excellent with light earthen deposits throughout. Modern felt pad on base for protection.
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 26.5% 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 |