Pakistan, Taxila region, Gandharan, Kushan period, ca. 3rd century CE. A finely carved section of a grey schist relief panel representing the goddess Hariti from the Gandharan Empire. Stylistically, the attention to the drapery visible on her right shoulder, the incised wavy Mediterranean hair showing beneath her diadem, as well as the sensitive modeling of Hariti's expressive visage demonstrate a great classical influence. Alexander the Great conquered Gandhara in 330 BCE and with the help of the Indo-Greek kings introduced classical traditions that would influence Gandharan art for the following seven centuries. A rare example of Greco-Buddhist art that demonstrates a strong syncretism between eastern and western traditions. Custom stand. Size: 4.125" W x 5.875" H (10.5 cm x 14.9 cm); 7.5" H (19 cm) on stand

According to Buddhist mythology, Hariti had hundreds of children whom she adored. However, in order to feed them, she kidnapped and slaughtered other children. The grieving mothers asked Buddha to put an end to Hariti's actions. So the Buddha abducted her youngest son and hid him under his rice bowl. After a desperate search, Hariti appealed to Buddha who explained that her suffering was due to the loss of only one of her hundreds of children. He asked her to imagine the immense suffering of the parents who lost their only children. Upon hearing this, Hariti vowed to be a devout protector of children as well as women in childbirth. In return the Buddha gifted her with bodhi which empowered her to counter evil and cure the sick. From that moment on, she ate pomegranates instead of human flesh. Hence Hariti is oftentimes depicted with a pomegranate and a cornucopia of plenty.

Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA acquired over twenty years ago

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#123053

A fragment with encrustation and wear as shown.