Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A charming carving of a standing Buddha, hand-carved from a grey schist. The draping of his clothing is particularly finely carved with folds flowing over his neck, wrists, and down to his ankles. His meditative face is defined by almond-shaped eyes, a slender nose, and a slightly smiling mouth, all beneath a large, wavy coiffure with a bun-shaped topknot or ushnisha. The Buddha stands in front of a discoid halo. Size: 2.2" W x 7.85" H (5.6 cm x 19.9 cm); 8.25" H (21 cm) on included custom stand.

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 includes 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, which this Buddha exemplifies.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#137416

Repaired at feet. Losses from edges, including one hand, part of plinth, and part of halo as shown. Light encrustation in lower profile areas.