**First Time At Auction**

Northwest Pakistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A fabulous gray schist panel depicting a relief of a Bodhisattva in meditation surrounded by followers and supporting the feet of a standing Buddha. On the rectangular panel itself, a seated Bodhisattva wears a crested turban with both hands together in his lap, displaying the dhyana - the mudra of meditation and contemplation. His robes drape his left shoulder and fall across his legs, forming a semi-circle in his lap, as additional ornaments embellish his body, including a collar, annular earrings, and armbands. Sitting cross-legged atop a platform, the divine figure is surrounded by 6 attendants, who turn towards him, 2 of which holding palm fronds at either side. A thick pillar is shown in the right corner and a palmette motif decorates the right panel. Above, the feet present long, rounded toes and are engaged against a vertically convex backplate. Size: 6" L x 14.6" W x 11.8" H (15.2 cm x 37.1 cm x 30 cm); 13.8" H (35.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Buddha's bare feet against the plinth are symbolic of his earthen origins and his eventual ascension to enlightenment, reminding his followers to practice the patience and spiritual fortitude necessary for facing any of life's challenges.

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.

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.

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.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#177238

Fragment of a larger piece with top figure and left panel missing. Nicks, chipping, and some losses to toes, corners, and other areas, all commensurate with age. Nice remaining detail and light earthen deposits throughout.