Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 200 BCE to 200 CE. A finely carved sculpture of a figure - possibly a Hindu deity or Buddha, dressed in finery, holding a vessel in one hand, and a necklace or garland around the neck. Robes flow over and around the body in naturalistic folds and creases -note the fine attention to drapery; a classical stylistic quality inherited from Alexander the Great's conquest of Gandhara in 330 BCE. Deposits of mica in the schist create a beautiful sparkling effect throughout the sculpture. Since only the clothed torso remains, it is not definitive who the figure represents, but likely a religious figure that may have resided in a shrine or temple. Size: 6" L x 2" W x 9.75" H (15.2 cm x 5.1 cm x 24.8 cm); 10.75" H (27.3 cm) on included custom stand.

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, which this Buddha exemplifies. Alexander the Great conquered Gandhara in 330 BCE and with the help of the Indo-Greek kings introduced classical traditions that would influence Gandharan art for the following seven centuries.

Provenance: ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA, Fine Pre-Columbian & Tribal Art, Classical, Egyptian and Asian Antiquities #107, September 30 and October 3, 2022, lot #811; ex-New York City, New York, USA collection; ex-Fortuna Fina Arts, New York City, New York, USA

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#175600

Fragment of a larger piece as shown. Good remains of stucco throughout. Losses to hand, legs, and missing head.