1st C. Gandharan Schist Dana Figure Holding Bird
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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
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
3 bidders are watching this item.
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Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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