Important representation of the standing Buddha - Lot 113

Important representation of the standing Buddha Kushan art from the ancient Gandhâra stylistic area 3rd - 4th century Schist. H. 123 cm The Buddha is depicted in a classical pose, standing with his body covered with a classical garment pleated to follow the shape of the body. His idealized face, once surrounded by a large circular nimbus to assert its supra-human character, is topped by a waving headdress covering the ushnisha. Although the hands are absent, the left was supposed to hold one side of the garment and the right to make the gesture of fearlessness, abhaya mudra. He rests on a pedestal adorned with a scene framed by colonnettes depicting him seated under the bodhi tree, surrounded by attendants. A accident to the schist block forced the sculptor to no longer include on the right-hand side of the scene in order to preserve a single vertical vertical axis to the two superimposed images of the Buddha. The sides of this pedestal are traditionally carved with stylized floral motifs. This important sculpture is a fine example of the perfect synthesis of Indian and Greco-Roman elements as developed in the Gandhara cultural area of Gandhara, at the crossroads of the commercial and spiritual linking the Roman, Indian and Chinese empires. Provenance : - Former British private collection - Allan & Karen Beagle (London) - Acquired from previous owners by its current owner on October 8, 1984