Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st century CE. A large fragment of a high relief panel, probably one that decorated a temple wall, with a large seated Buddha figure - only present from the waist down - at the top and a line of attendants and garlands along the bottom. The Buddha holds an offering bowl in his lap in his large hands, and the detail on his robes and fingers is naturalistic and well done. The attendant figures are cherubic, their bodies posed sensually, and draped with the heavy garlands, flowers carved above their heads. Size: 13.5" W x 15.5" H (34.3 cm x 39.4 cm); 15.85" H (40.3 cm) on included custom stand.

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. In the first century CE, Buddhism became fashionable amongst Gandharan elites, and the art produced at this time depicting the Buddha includes some of the most striking Buddhist images from the past. 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.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#136223

Piece is fragmentary with encrustation in the lower profile areas. What remains has nicely preserved detail.