Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st century CE. A gorgeous top portion of an Indo-Corinthian capital, the top of a column, with fine floral motifs carved around a central figure of a person wearing a draped item of clothing, a large necklace, and a turban. The figure has one hand raised, holding something whose details are lost to time, with their other hand placed over their heart. The figure may be a bodhisattva or a wealthy patron of the artist who carved it. Size: 5.75" L x 9.9" W x 5.45" H (14.6 cm x 25.1 cm x 13.8 cm)

Corinthian capitals began in the Greek city of Corinth, and their style came to northwestern India via Hellenistic expansion following the conquests of Alexander the Great and trade along the Silk Road. In the 1st century CE, they became particularly popular in the Peshawar district, in modern day northern Pakistan. The Gandharan artists blended Greek foliage and column forms with Buddhist and Hindu figures. The draped clothing and naturalistic facial features of the figure depicted here further reinforce the classical Greek influence on the artwork.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago

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#121550

Losses to edges, as shown; small losses to surface details, including one sleeve, part of the turban, and part of the leaves at the base. Encrustation in lower profile areas. This piece has been cut away from the full capital.