Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. Sensual and evocative, this is a dark grey schist sculpted torso of a prince. The figure wears a draped skirt, a pectoral with a four-petaled flower, and a series of hanging necklaces and chains, each carved in realistic detail over a muscular body with a narrow waist and a gently curved pose that gives the impression of dynamic movement. Size: 5.2" W x 10.5" H (13.2 cm x 26.7 cm); 13.6" H (34.5 cm) on included custom stand.

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.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#138534

This is a fragment from a larger sculpture. Nice detail remaining, with expected losses at arms, top, and bottom. Encrustation in the lower profile areas.