Description:

Central Asia, Northwest Pakistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. An elaborate schist relief panel displaying expertly carved scenes of Buddhist devotion. The lower tier features Buddha seated in lotus position surrounded by followers who apear to hold offerings, while the top tier shows a standing Buddha in an archway flanked by disciples. The archway is topped by a crescent relief of 2 fantastical creatures with anthropomorphic upper bodies on either side of an altar. A zigzag border outlines the upper periphery as a series of palmettes line the bottom. Size: 12.3" W x 14.3" H (31.2 cm x 36.3 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: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#174713

  • Condition: Fragment of a larger piece. Right side has been professionally repaired with break line barely visible. Some losses and chipping to raised areas and peripheries, as well as expected nicks and abrasions and natural stable fissures to stone, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with ample preservation of detail and light earthen deposits throughout.

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