Shunga Period, 2nd century BC. A pink sandstone rail section from a Buddhist monument, with central medallion in the form of a large open lotus flower with bust of a male with large elaborate hairstyle held in place by a sash with ends falling over the shoulders; to the back central medallion in the form of a large open lotus flower; mounted on a custom-made stand. For similar see 'Ashoka's Rail' surrounding the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, northern India. 5.37 kg total, 39.5 x 24cm (15 1/2 x 9 1/2"). UK art market, acquired prior to 2000. The Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodhgaya is one of the holiest sites related to the life of the Buddha as it is the place where he attained enlightenment. The present temple dates from the 7th Century AD with later additions, and was built on the site of a previous temple erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The temple consists of a central sanctuary with a tall pyramidal tower and houses a large gilded image of the Buddha. The temple is built in front of the Bodhi Tree, the tree under which the Buddha obtained enlightenment, which is surrounded by a quadrangular stone railing that dates to the 2nd century BC. The railing was extended in later periods and the posts are either made of sandstone or coarse granite and are decorated with carved medallions with naturalistic and mythical animals, lotus designs and scenes from the life of Buddha. This enclosed area marked the sacred space for pilgrims to undertake circumambulation of the tree.

Very fine condition.