Grey stone. Gandhara, 2th to 3th cent.
Ein very rare piece from a temple frieze in altogether very good condition and craftmanship, especially in the figure of Buddha and also most others. Shakyamuni stands in the center, is barefoot, wears a toga, has wavy hair and raises one hand in the protective gesture of abhaya. All figures – except the boy – have an elevation on the head, with Buddha it is, however, emphasized in the direction of the ushnisha. Both figures, left and right and slightly over him could be disciples. Left is a bearded older man, holding hands with a boy standing in blazing flames. It may be the Prince Dharmakama, who jumped in a fire pit and was pulled out by Brahma and Shakra (= Indra). Possibly the bearded man is one of them, who were also present at Buddhas descent from Tavatimsa heaven. The many-headed Brahma can also be depicted with only one head and there are simply many different versions of this special incident in Buddhas earlier life (Jataka). On the outer right are two figures with objects in their hands, presumably offerings. Mounted on a black metal base.
SIZE (WITHOUT SOCKET) 29,5 x 38 x 5 CM, BASE 3,6 x 39,6 x 10,8 CM
From the collection of a French aristocratic family, tracing back to Évariste Regis Huc and was at least since 1967 in this collection.