Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A remarkable grey schist panel skillfully carved in high relief depicting the Parinirvana - (literally "nirvana following death"), a famous event chronicling Buddha's death. His prone body lies on a raised bed like a Greek klinai (lectus) lying on his side facing forward, his head propped up by his hand, his disciple figures surrounding. This panel would have probably been part of a stupa base, a monument to honor a deceased person - a fitting scene for Buddhist followers. The style of this relief is an excellent example of the remaining Greek influence on Buddhist art from the Graeco-Bactrian rule of the last two centuries BCE. Size: 6.75" L x 1.8" W x 4" H (17.1 cm x 4.6 cm x 10.2 cm)

Buddhas can display various mudras (hand gestures/poses) that represent historical moments in Buddha's life, forms of meditation, or a symbolic combination of both. As mentioned previously, this Buddha displays the parinirvana. The term "parinirvana" literally means "nirvana following death" and is used to describe a state achieved upon death by an individual who has rightfully attained nirvana. This piece most likely depicts the Parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni. According to tradition, after he ate his last meal offered by a blacksmith named Cunda, Shakyamuni grew seriously ill and in time abandoned his earthly existence in the village known as Pava, surrounded by his disciples and attendants. Statues of the Buddha in parinirvana, such as this one, are not intended to induce fear or sadness, but instead act as an object of encouragement that all beings have the potential to be awakened or enlightened and release themselves from the suffering which is characterized by the cycle of rebirth.

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

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#177285

Fragment of a larger piece. Old losses to peripheries. Softening and losses to finer details. Light mineral deposits in recessed areas.