Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st century CE. A fine example of the skill of Gandharan artisans, a torso hand-carved from a buttery, almost yellow marble, draped on three sides (the back is smooth and uncarved) with a richly-detailed, draped robe and a large pendant that is depicted as hanging to the center of the chest. 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; a great deal of this wealth went into local patronage of artisans and art. Their artistic tradition also reflects the conquest of Alexander the Great and the introduction of styles from all sides, blended into a uniquely Gandharan tradition, which this piece exemplifies. Size: 2" L x 3.1" W x 4.95" H (5.1 cm x 7.9 cm x 12.6 cm); 7.25" H (18.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#126283

Piece is a fragment, with ancient losses of the head, one arm, and everything below the knees. Remaining areas are in nice condition, with light surface scratching from age and one shallow, stable crack on the remaining wrist.