A gray schist relief panel, Ancient Region of Gandhara, 3rd / 4th century

A gray schist relief panel
Ancient Region of Gandhara, 3rd / 4th century

Height 25¾ in., 65.4 cm

Condition Report:
Good overall condition. The stele appears to be incomplete, the sides carved vertically to obscure possible damage. There are chips to the edges of the decoration including the left figure’s nose.

Catalogue Note:
This finely carved schist panel encapsulates the sensitivity and boldness of early Gandharan carving. It depicts the medicine Buddha seated in dhyanasana on an incised rosette pedestal base, his hands holding a bowl in his lap, and wearing a pleated sanghati, attended by two smaller figures carrying bowls, all under a leafy canopy.

Provenance:
Sotheby's New York, 22nd September 2000, lot 122.