Central Asia, Afghanistan, Gandhara, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. An exemplary schist expertly sculpted to display the relief of 2 depictions of Buddha as Shakyamuni Buddha or Siddhartha Gautama; one as the bejeweled crown prince of the Shakya Kingdom and the other gaunt and emaciated when he renounced his princely possessions and partook in 49 days of fasting and meditation. The 2 figures face away from each other. On the left, Buddha is heavily adorned with lavish robes that cascade down his shoulders, framing his bare chest, a large turban, and many pieces of jewelry, such as a beaded necklace, bangles, and ear adornments. His head is bowed in prayer as he holds his hands together and casts his sizeable almond eyes downward. His round face features a bulbous nose, closed lips, and a lengthy mustache. Both his turban and mustache were known in Gandhara as typical characteristics of the Shakya Kingdom, of which Gautama Buddha was prince. Size: 7" L x 5.6" W x 11.9" H (17.8 cm x 14.2 cm x 30.2 cm)

Though also bare-chested and bowing his head in prayer with both hands together, the Buddha on the right presents a starkly different appearance with an emaciated body, a hunched back, and a prominent rib cage. Here, the fasting deity leans on a walking stick, as a robe falls in billowing folds from his left shoulder and an ovoid topknot crowns his head.

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.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#157779

Fragment of a larger piece. Losses to base. Expected surface wear with pitting throughout and several barely visible hairline surface fissures. Losses to base and area between Buddhas. Expected nicks, chips, and abrasions throughout. Otherwise, excellent with impressive remaining details.