A gray schist relief with scenes from the life of the Buddha

GANDHARA, 2ND/3RD CENTURY

Details

A gray schist relief with scenes from the life of the Buddha
Gandhara, 2nd/3rd century
The Buddha shown twice, once seated alone in a cave, left, and again seated on a square plinth, right, both times flanked by figures in adoration, the scenes separated by a single yakshi in a niche
9¾ x 21¼ in. (24.7 x 54 cm.)

Provenance

Private American Collection, acquired in the 1990s

Lot Essay

The scene to the left is the visit of Indra and his harpist to Buddha in the Indrasala cave. The Buddha is seated alone in the cave, facing right, the harpist plays just outside the cave, and Indra stands to the far left, ready to test the Buddha with philosophical conversation. Both figures have haloes to indicate their divine status. Above the cave float celestial beings, ready to bless the Buddha at Indra's command. For similar scenes, see H. Ingholt, Gandharan Art in Pakistan, 1957, fig. 129.

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