Ancient Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. An impressive, hand-carved schist relief panel of rectangular form featuring a kneeling figure at the center with a seated monkey on the left and a rearing quadruped, perhaps a large feline, on the right, all surrounded by elaborate vegetal motifs. The top is adorned by a pattern of repeated petaloid designs, while the cool, ash grey surface of the schist is sprinkled with sandy brown earthen deposits imbuing the relief with an elegant presentation, reminiscent of the ancient world. The lush and lavish decoration of this piece suggests that it may have adorned a courtly residence. Size: 14.2" L x 5.5" H (36.1 cm x 14 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 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.

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

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#166078

Fragment of a larger piece. Expected nicks, chips, abrasions, and loss of detail, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with rich earthen deposits throughout.