Northwest Pakistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A skillfully carved grey schist panel depicting two scenes in high relief divided and concluded with framed Doric columns and topped with a border of a petaloid motif. The scene on the left shows a horse facing left and carrying a chariot in front of three figures with a shield. The scene to the right shows a central contrapposto female figure with one hand on her hip and the other stretched outward as she addresses a group of adults with one child to her right while another group of people, one crouching, gather to her left. This lovely narrative all takes place above a braided border and a spiraling motif. A beautiful example from Gandharan culture. Size: 10.625" L x 1.75" W x 5" H (27 cm x 4.4 cm x 12.7 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: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#159045
Condition
Fragment from a larger stone carving. Repaired from two pieces with stable fissure and adhesive visible and a small aperture in center of fissure. Body of one figure missing. Expected nicks/chips, softening of detail, encrustations in recessed areas, and abrasions to peripheries and verso commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent.