Gandharan Schist Relief Panel w/ Head of Siddhartha

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Ancient & Ethnographic Art Through The Ages

By Artemis Gallery

Nov 4, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-11-04 10:00:00 2021-11-04 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Ancient & Ethnographic Art Through The Ages https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/ancient-ethnographic-art-through-the-ages-7799
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• Lot Description
  Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 200 BCE to 100 CE. A remarkable schist, hand-sculpted to display the head of Siddhartha - Buddha as a young royal before his enlightenment - in high relief. The visage of the tranquil prince is shown in 3/4 view, as he gazes downwards and to his left with generously lidded, almond-shaped eyes beneath an arched brow. His serene face exhibits a naturalistic nose, bowed lips held closed, and a round chin, all flanked by a pair of petite ears with sizeable adornments - the weight of which would later leave Siddhartha with the characteristic long-lobed ears of Buddha, once he casts off his earthly possessions in favor of enlightenment. An elaborate, turban-like headdress caps his head, sitting atop a short coiffure. The details around him have softened with age, though it appears he is stretching one hand outward to rest on an object to his left. The liberal remains of a palmette design decorate the background. Size: 5" W x 7.8" H (12.7 cm x 19.8 cm); 7.5" H (19 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.
  
  Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired 1995 to 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.
  
  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.
  
  #168276

  Condition

  Fragment of a larger piece. Expected nicks, chips, and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with impressive preservation of detail on head and light earthen deposits throughout.
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