Lot 1
Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 200 CE. A beautiful, seated depiction of Buddha or bodhisattva, hand-carved from grey schist in high relief. The ancient deity sits with his hands in the Dhyana mudra, a gesture of meditation, with the hands placed in the lap, right hand on left. His slender body is clothed in carefully sculpted, flowing robes as layered necklaces drape down his chest. His serene visage displays generously- lidded eyes, a broad nose, and a closed mouth, all crowned by a bulbous top bun and crown like headdress. Lengthy ear or hair adornments fall to his shoulders. Size: 6.9" W x 12.8" H (17.5 cm x 32.5 cm); 14.9" H (37.8 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 depicting the Buddha includes 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 styles from all sides, blended into a uniquely Gandharan tradition, which this Buddha exemplifies. Alexander the Great conquered Gandhara in 330 BCE and with the help of the Indo-Greek kings introduced classical traditions that would influence Gandharan art for the following seven centuries.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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.
#174714
- Condition: Fragment of a larger piece. Losses to halo and proper left knee. Expected nicks, chips, and abrasions, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent presentation with nice remaining detail.
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 up to 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 |