GANDHARAN SCHIST SEATED BUDDHA

Ca. 200-300 AD
A carved seated Buddha is an exquisite masterpiece, emanating serenity and tranquility. The Buddha is seated on a majestic pedestal with his legs crossed in the traditional lotus position. His left hand rests gently on his leg while gathering a part of his flowing robe, which is intricately incised with delicate folds creating a cascading effect. The Buddha’s right hand, now missing, is believed to have been in abhaya mudra, a gesture of reassurance and protection to his devotees. The long robe is gracefully draped around his body, giving the sculpture a sense of movement and flow. The Buddha's hair is arranged in a topknot, crowned by a protrusion known as the ushnisha, a symbol of his enlightenment and wisdom. The Buddha's face is a study of serenity, with a gentle smile and closed eyes that radiate an aura of peace and meditative mood. Gandharan Buddhism flourished in the region of Gandhara during the 1st and 2nd centuries CE. It was heavily influenced by Greco-Roman art, and the art produced during this period represents a fascinating fusion of Hellenistic and Indian styles. The Gandharan Buddhist sculptures are characterized by their naturalistic style, intricate detailing, and a sense of emotional depth that makes them unique. For a similar, see The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Object Number: 2002.556.
Size: L:240mm / W:165mm ; 2.7kg
Provenance: Private London collection; acquired in Japan between 2000 - 2005; formerly in an old Japanese collection.
Estimate: GBP 1500 - 3000