Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st century CE. A long, gently curved panel section, perhaps from the base of a stupa or column. It is carved with a series of high relief seated Buddhas - seven of them visible here, though it is easy to imagine that when originally made it made a fully round disc of many more Buddhas! Each is separated by a large lotus flower in the process of unfolding; a scalloped upper border and flanged lower border bound the Buddhas in the panel. Each Buddha is identical, seated cross-legged 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. Size: 16.25" W x 3.3" H (41.3 cm x 8.4 cm); 4.95" H (12.6 cm) on included custom stand.
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 Greek and Classical artwork, blended into a uniquely Gandharan tradition, which this carving exemplifies.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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#144379
Condition
Piece is a fragment from a larger relief, with losses visible at either end. Five of the Buddhas are in excellent condition, while the other two have some losses - one to the head, one of the leg. Small scratches and chips from edges.