Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A gray schist panel that is wonderfully carved with a relief scene depicting the Buddha seated between two trees and flanked by four worshipers and classical columns occupying the peripheries. Buddha is central and forward facing, seated atop a tiered pedestal base while wearing a flowing robe, his head framed by an aureole disc. The devotees are on one knee or standing, stooping slightly forward in a bow, with their hands clasped in prayer or worship. Each figure is carefully rendered with flowing robes and well-defined features such as hair. Size: 13.75" L x 1.75" W x 5" H (34.9 cm x 4.4 cm x 12.7 cm)

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 included 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 Western aesthetics, blended into a uniquely Gandharan tradition.

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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#166076

Repaired from two pieces with a break line that runs from Buddha's pedestal diagonal across the tree and devotee's heads. Losses to figure's heads, trees, and outer peripheries, and lower edge of the panel as shown. Mineral and white earthen encrustations scattered throughout. Buddha and two of the devotees are well preserved.