Large Gandharan Standing Buddha Torso, Carved Gray Schist, 2nd-3rd Century

An impressive and well carved Gandharan figure of the Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, carved black schist, ancient Kingdom of Gand...

A striking Gandharan molded stucco head of a male Bodhisattva, tentatively identified as Manjushri, ancient region of Gandhara, probably Hadda or surrounding area, 3rd-5th century. The Bodhisattva is sculpted of stucco in an idealized manner as a youthful male, with soft and kind features, a benign expression on his face. He wears an elaborate pleated turban wrapped around his head, with two sweeping lobes at the front. His turban secured on one side by a small image of a roaring lion. The lion may be read as a reference to Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, who is often depicted as riding or subduing a roaring lion, a metaphor for taming the wild thoughts of the mind. Manjushri gazes outwards in a beatific manner from almond shaped eyes, a gentle smile on his lips. The eyes at different levels when looking at the sculpture head on, indicating the original placement of the head was meant to be viewed at an angle. Remnants of pigments to the eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Mounted on a custom black metal stand. Hadda was an important center of Buddhist learning in the early history of Greco Buddhist Gandhara, and at one time may have housed a bone relic of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. The sculpture and architecture of Hadda followed Hellenistic artistic conventions faithfully, leading some scholars to believe the distinct Greco Buddhist style of Gandhara was first developed in Hadda before spreading to the rest of the region. The kingdom of Gandhara was situated at a crossroads of trade and cultures. Being one of the last remnants of Alexander the Great's Empire, the inhabitants of the Greco-Bactrian Buddhist kingdom preserved Greek culture and heritage for centuries after the decline of the Greek Empire...

Presenting a stunning little piece of Southeast Asian Indian Antiquity, namely, a Double-sided 2nd Century Red Sandstone Fragment of a Woman. From India, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura. This piece has impeccable Provenance ! It was purchased by a Private Dallas Collector at Christie’s New York Auction on 31st March 2005. Sale Number 1492, Lot No. 43. Christie’s operate a twice yearly auction of Southeast Asian Art & Antiquities in New York in the months of March and September. The sculpture was described as “Property of a European Estate. A Double-sided Red Sandstone Fragment of a Woman. India, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura, Circa 2nd Century.” “Both sides similarly depicting the lower body with a flared sash at left and remains of chained belt: marked with an accession number 1931 on reverse. 8 in (29.2 cm.) high” Provenance: Collection of Prince and Princess Aschwin zur Lippe-Biesterfeld, acquired on 1958?. It carried an Auction estimate of USD 3,000 to USD 5,000 and Sold for USD 2,880 (not including Buyers Premium). Allowing for inflation alone this would be over $6,300 in today’s value. It has substantially increased in value over the years as a RARE piece from a prestigious Collection and a RARE piece of antique Asian antiquity...

Stucco head of a Bodhisattva, Gandhara, 3rd - 5th century AD. Mounted on a custom made brass base. 12 inches high ( head alone 8.2 in ) 5.5 wide 5 deep Provanance: Ex Sotheby's, old...