Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 200 BCE to 100 CE. A pair of fantastic, sensual female dancers, each in high relief in a deep rectangular panel. One's body is turned away from the viewer, with her head twisted around to peer in profile over one shoulder. She wears a floor-length skirt that sits low on her hips, revealing her beautiful hourglass figure. The side of one breast is just visible. Her hair is pulled up in a bun, with a strand hanging down the side of her face. One hand rests on her hip, the other is raised and holding a lotus flower. Bangles are at her wrists and ankles. Size of each: 6.05" W x 10.35" H (15.4 cm x 26.3 cm); 12.15" H (30.9 cm) on included custom stand.

The other panel features a woman who faces forward, holding a basket in one hand and a small bag with a large handle in the other. She, too, is nude above her hips, and wears a floor length skirt. She stands with her legs crossed at the ankle and has a diaphanous band of cloth wrapped around her arms and back; the artist has carved it so that it appears to flow in a breeze. She wears bangles at her wrists and ankles, a large necklace whose pendants rest against her large breasts, and huge hanging earrings. The form of both women here is inspired by a youthful female divinity known as a yakshi, a fertility figure whose touch was said to make trees bloom.

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. Women, however, are rare subjects in Gandharan art. Where they are seen, they are often dancers, musicians, or otherwise portrayed as performers. Some of this artwork is thought to be inspired by Dionysus and the Greco-Roman influence on Gandharan art and culture. Others, however, tell the story of Buddha, with dancing women interpreted as heavenly apsaras, female spirits of the skies and waters in Buddhist and Hindu culture.

Published in "Across Time #110", Fortuna Fie Arts, Ltd., 2005.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Sotheby's Indian Sale, New York, USA, 9-20-2005, Lot 47

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#142284

Both have light wear commensurate with age but are overall very nicely preserved. This includes some small losses on the surface, but nearly all details are present.