Near East, Pakistan/Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A magnificent section of an architectural frieze carved with representations of two seated Buddhas in meditative stances, draped with flowing robes and facing forward on the right. Two attendants stand between columns with ornate capitals, underneath a rendition of a frieze, perhaps occupying a metope. They appear to be consulting each other, with one holding food, the other with hands clenched. At the far left are two additional attendants. Custom, museum-quality stand. Size: piece itself measures 9-1/4" (23.5 cm) x 7-3/4" (19.7 cm); with stand 10-1/2" (26.7 cm) x 9-1/2" (24.1 cm).

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. The attention to the drapery of the himations, the stylized Mediterranean coiffures, as well as subtly expressive visages and contraposto stances exhibit this classical influence. A rare example of Greco-Buddhist art that demonstrates a strong syncretism between eastern and western traditions.

Provenance: Ex-private East Coast, USA collection.

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#108705

Fragmentary with expected wear from age.