A gray schist frieze with a pensive bodhisattva

GANDHARA, 2ND/3RD CENTURY

Details

A gray schist frieze with a pensive bodhisattva
Gandhara, 2nd/3rd century
Seated in lalitasana with one foot resting on a pedestal with his hand drawn to his chin in deep thought, flanked by two attendants, one grasping a column, with two diminutive musicians standing on a pedestal at far right, with various figures amidst the balustrade above
7 3/8 in. (18.7 cm.) wide

Provenance

Hiruma Collection, Japan, acquired 1986-1990

Sale room notice

Please note that the provenance should read: "Private collection, Japan, acquired 1986-1990"

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Lot Essay

The scene most likely refers to prince Siddhartha's first meditation. While attending an annual plowing ceremony, the young Bodhisattva observed the toil of the farmer, the bulls, and the opportunistic nature of the birds and insects, and felt inspired to meditate on life's sorrows. For a similar example featuring a pensive bodhisattva, but without attendant figures, see I. Kurita, Gandharan Art, vol. II, 1990, p. 60, fig. 147.

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