Central Asia, Pakistan, India, or Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 200 BCE to 400 CE. A fantastical grey schist fragment of a frieze depicting three human figures separated by what looks like the body of a monstrous serpent or an enormous vine that wraps its way sinuously up, down, and around the sculpture. Leaves and architectural elements are interspersed throughout the carving, and the figures are below a Classical-looking multi-tiered border. The figure to the left (facing) holds a bowl up to his chin and looks towards the other figures; he has a round, moon-like face. The figure in the middle is a huge man with flowing, Hellenistic-style hair; this figure has one hand covering his groin and looks behind himself towards the man with the bowl. Swooping in on the right is a figure who also has flowing hair and appears to be wearing Classical garments; this figure holds something close in to his or her chest and looks forward. Comes with custom stand. Size: 8.35" L x 4.7" H (21.2 cm x 11.9 cm); height on stand: 6.1" (15.5 cm)

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 reflects the conquest of Alexander the Great and the introduction of styles from all sides, formed into a uniquely Gandharan tradition, which the blended Classical and Asian elements of this piece demonstrate.

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

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#121955

Piece is a fragment from a frieze, with losses to edges as shown.