**Originally Listed At $600**

Central Asia, Afghanistan / Pakistan to Northern India, Gandharan Empire / Kushan Period, ca. 3rd to 4th century CE. A dark-gray schist pedestal base and the remains of the feet of a Buddha or Bodhisattva statue with anklets draped over the ankles and slender toes (note the "Greek" foot with the second toe longer than the big toe.) The curved front is relief carved with lotus flowers. A statue of a Buddha would have been standing - perhaps a devotional figure as part of a shrine or temple. 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. 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 - especially Greece - the introduction of styles from all sides, blended into a uniquely Gandharan tradition. Size: 6.2" L x 5.75" W x 4.5" H (15.7 cm x 14.6 cm x 11.4 cm)

Provenance: private Santa Barbara, California, USA collection, ex-Charles Craig collection

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#179016

Fragment of a larger piece as shown and repaired with front register carvings reattached, and infill to fissures. Feet of Buddha and partial remains of pedestal carvings. Chips and abrasions throughout and stable hairline fissures.