A Gray Schist Relief with the Miracle of Uruvilva

GANDHARA, 2ND/3RD CENTURY

Details

A Gray Schist Relief with the Miracle of Uruvilva
Gandhara, 2nd/3rd century
With the Buddha seated in a cave at right, clad in long flowing robes, a subdued naga at his feet, with several attendants bearing gifts, including two small figures below a Corinthian capital at far left
14 in. (35.6 cm.) long

Provenance

Julian Sherrier Collection, London, formed between early 1940s-1972

Sale room notice

Please note the correct estimate for this property is $1,000-$1,500.

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Lot Essay

To demonstrate his superiority over the three Kasyapa brothers, the Buddha performed a series of miracles at Uruvilva. In the most famous miracle, the Buddha subdues a fire-spitting serpent that had inhabited the sacred Fire Temple. The defeated snake is depicted hiding in the Buddha's alms bowl; the figures at left bring water to help extinguish the flames caused by the confrontation.

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