Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st century CE. A delightful schist relief panel showing the classic Buddhist scene of Prince Siddhartha leaving home. He is depicted here as a wealthy prince astride his horse, Kanthaka, while a groom and various other servants surround him. The image is bordered by a carving of a column with a truly impressive capital, setting the scene in the forecourt of his father's palace. In Buddhist belief, Siddhartha left his father's palace to seek his enlightenment, leaving behind his family without regret, and vowing not to return until he had achieved his goal. Size: 11.4" W x 8.25" H (29 cm x 21 cm); 9.5" H (24.1 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 are 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 image with its classical architectural feature exemplifies.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Hunter Lipton collection, New York, USA, acquired in the 1980s
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#145915
Condition
Small repair to upper right (facing) corner. Upper left has also been repaired. Small chips, nicks, and scratches from surface commensurate with age, but much detail is preserved. Light deposits on surface, especially in lower profile areas and along lower border.