Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 200 BCE to 200 CE. A finely carved grey schist relief panel of a slightly curved profile, presenting a frieze with a lively scene featuring six figures who appear to be celebrating. From right to left: a musician, a dancing couple, a child about to be picked up by an adult - perhaps his/her mother, and finally a figure who is clapping to the beat. The scene is flanked by Classically-inspired columns, and an entablature adorned by an egg and dart pattern is above. Size: 8.75" W x 3.75" H (22.2 cm x 9.5 cm); 4.375" H (11.1 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 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 ancient Greeks' appreciation for the human figure and classical motifs blended into a uniquely Gandharan tradition.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#138435

Losses to each side as shown, but the figural scene is still fairly vivid. Expected surface wear commensurate with age. Earthen deposits particularly in recesses.