Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 200 BCE to 200 CE. A sparkling grey schist panel carved in high relief with a scene of seated Buddha and four attendants posed around him, two on each side. Buddha is depicted with a prominent ushnisha and well sculpted clothing. The attendants are turned towards him, and one reaches into a bowl held by another. They are dressed in finery, with well-styled, draped robes, and may have been carved to represent real people who wished to pay homage to Buddha by endowing artwork - a common practice in ancient Gandhara. They are bordered by Classical columns, and two large carved human feet rest atop the flat upper part of the panel, giving an idea of how large this full panel would have been when made. Perhaps another image of Buddha once stood atop it. Size: 12.55" W x 8.95" H (31.9 cm x 22.7 cm); 11.1" H (28.2 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 Buddha exemplifies.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Dr. James Reardon collection, New York, USA, collected in the 1990s
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#136981
Condition
Piece is a fragment from a larger frieze, as is clear from the remains of the feet at the top. Figures are in nice condition, although one of the hands of the Buddha is partially lost. Light deposits on surface, especially in the lower profile areas.