Ca. 200-300 AD.
A stone schist panel featuring a central relief depicting the head of Buddha, showcasing distinctive iconographic elements prevalent in Gandharan art. The round face of the Buddha exhibits a sense of serenity and spiritual grace, with delicately sculpted features that convey a profound sense of inner peace. The small, piercing eyes exemplify the focused gaze of the Buddha, symbolizing his profound wisdom and transcendent insight. The finely rendered nose and small lips contribute to the overall harmony of the facial expression, representing the balanced nature of the enlightened state. Notably, the earlobes are naturally depicted, symbolizing the Buddha's renunciation of worldly attachments and his detachment from material desires. The curly hair, meticulously gathered in a topknot, is a characteristic hairstyle associated with depictions of the Buddha in Gandharan art, signifying his spiritual elevation and attainment. Surrounding the head of the Buddha is a halo, adorned with a radiating arrangement of leafy branches. This halo represents the divine and enlightened aura surrounding the Buddha, emphasizing his transcendent nature and his role as a guiding light for spiritual seekers. Gandhara, situated in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan, was an important center for Buddhist art and philosophy during the first few centuries AD. The Gandharan style of Buddhist art emerged as a unique fusion of Hellenistic and indigenous artistic traditions, incorporating elements from Greek, Roman, and Indian cultures. The depiction of the Buddha in Gandharan art reflects the syncretic nature of the region, blending Hellenistic sculptural techniques with Indian religious symbolism. These artworks played a significant role in disseminating Buddhist teachings and conveying the ideals of compassion, enlightenment, and the path to liberation. This item comes with a custom-made stand.
Size: L:135mm / W:220mm ; 2.01kg
Provenance: Private London collection; formerly in Belgium 1970s collection.