Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 1st century CE. A high relief carved schist panel depicting an architectural column set within a deep border and a man leaning with his back against the border. The man has flowing hair and beard; one hand is raised as if it once held something, but sadly that detail is lost. His clothing is also well-carved. The column and the man's rich attire gives the impression that we are looking in on a stately court or sumptuous palace. Size: 2" L x 8.1" W x 10.6" H (5.1 cm x 20.6 cm x 26.9 cm)

Corinthian capitals began in the Greek city of Corinth, and their style came to northwestern India via Hellenistic expansion following the conquests of Alexander the Great and trade along the Silk Road. In the 1st century CE, they became particularly popular in the Peshawar district, in modern day northern Pakistan. The Gandharan artists blended Greek foliage and column forms with Buddhist and Hindu figures. The draped clothing and naturalistic facial features of the figure depicted here further reinforce the classical Greek influence on the artwork.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection

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#127005

Encrustation in lower profile areas. Piece is a fragment of a panel, so the left side (facing) has a jagged edge. Small losses to surface, including part of one hand on the figure and some areas of the border around the column. Very nice detail remaining.