Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 200 BCE to 100 CE. A multitude of carefully carved relief figures on a panel, rendered in a dark grey schist, all standing and sitting in two rows and made to decorate the walls of a temple or palace. There are eight figures in total, most with nearly all of their bodies visible, and they crowd the scene, giving an appearance of a lively meeting or audience. Each has a distinctive outfit, coiffure, and/or pose. The most evocative, and best preserved, is a man seated on a round pouf, his back turned to the viewer, with his head twisted around so that he appears to be listening to the four people above him. Size: 10" W x 10.65" H (25.4 cm x 27.1 cm); 11.7" H (29.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Gandharans are famous for their schist carvings. Vast monastic institutions like those at Takht-i-Bahi, Sahri-Bahlol, Jamal Garhi, Ranigat, and Thareli were decorated by skilled artisans with carved representations of important figures, religious scenes, and artistic dedications. During this time, Gandhara was exceptionally wealthy, profiting from trade along the Silk Road; patrons had resources to spend on the arts, creating a flowering of artwork.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Joe Gerena Fine Arts, New York, USA, acquired in the 1990s
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#146901
Condition
The piece is a fragment, with a loss from the upper edge. There are several small losses from the carved face, but overall the integrity of the carving is well preserved. Light encrustations in lower profile areas.