Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A stunning figural panel hand-carved in high relief from gray schist to display a central male figure stepping forward with 2 additional figures behind him to his left. Dressed in a knee-length sarong tied at the hips, the slender figure turns slightly right and bends both arms at the elbows. His round visage displays large eyes, a naturalistic nose, full cheeks, and fleshy lips, all crowned by tightly coiled coiffure. The head of a female projects to his left beside a male figure who sits in lotus position. A lengthy robe drapes the body of the seated male, as he gazes right and holds both hands together at his chest, as though in prayer. This fascinating scene is framed by a zigzag border along the top periphery with acanthus leaves adorning the upper left corner. Size: 8.7" W x 12.9" H (22.1 cm x 32.8 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: private Oceanside, California, USA collection, acquired via descent, imported to the US in the early 1960s

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#171199

Fragment of a larger piece. Losses to part of central figure's head, forearms, sarong, proper left leg, and right foot, as well as losses to part of seated figure's head. Repairs to top with break line visible. Nicks, chips, and softening of some detail, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with great earthen deposits throughout.