1st C. Gandharan Schist Dana Figure Holding Bird - Jun 28, 2017 | Artemis Gallery In Co
LiveAuctioneers Logo

lots of lots

1st C. Gandharan Schist Dana Figure Holding Bird

Related Sculptures & Carvings

More Items in Sculptures & Carvings

View More

Recommended Art

View More
item-53914872=1
item-53914872=2
item-53914872=3
item-53914872=4
item-53914872=5
item-53914872=6
item-53914872=7
item-53914872=8
1st C. Gandharan Schist Dana Figure Holding Bird
1st C. Gandharan Schist Dana Figure Holding Bird
Item Details
Description
Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st century CE. A wonderful rare depiction, hand-carved from a single piece of grey schist, of a Dana (a Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Sikh concept, the embodiment of giving, generosity, and charity) crouched down and holding a small, pigeon-like bird atop a flat, round pedestal. There are remains of a reddish-purple pigment, especially on the bird's head and the hands. Size: 4" L x 3" W x 6.5" H (10.2 cm x 7.6 cm x 16.5 cm)

The figure is well-modeled, with a realistic body and plenty of details incised on the feet, hands, hair, beard, and genitals. 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. In the first century CE, Buddhism became fashionable amongst Gandharan elites, and the art produced at this time depicting the Buddha are 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. In this piece, you can see the influence of Greek naturalist sculpture, particularly in the well-depicted curves of the man's legs.

Provenance: Ex-private New Jersey collection

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.

#120672
Condition
One arm has been repaired, as has a hand. Nice remaining traces of red/purple pigment.
Buyer's Premium
  • 24.5%

1st C. Gandharan Schist Dana Figure Holding Bird

Estimate $1,500 - $2,000
See Sold Price
Starting Price $800
3 bidders are watching this item.

Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, us
See Policy for Shipping

Payment

Artemis Gallery

Artemis Gallery

badge TOP RATED
Louisville, CO, United States7,922 Followers
TOP