Gandharan Schist Relief Panel w/ Man, Putti, and Column

Northwest Pakistan, Gandharan Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A remarkable schist panel depicting a standing man surrounded by a pair of putti next to an ornate column, all skillfully carved in high relief. Draped in a toga, the male figure stands in contrapposto and turns to his left, exposing his right arm which stretches across his slender body. His ancient visage presents a pointed nose, pursed lips, wide eyes, and long ears, all under a thick head of hair. A pair of putti flanks the central figure, standing beside his feet, also in contrapposto, and with their outside arms extending inward across their torsos. All three are framed by a lovely archway decorated with a triangular border and surrounded by bunches of grapes and a pair of curtains. To their left is a non-traditional column featuring several registers of geometric and vegetal designs, along with a highly detailed shaft exhibiting the back of a nude man. Size: 11" W x 13.75" H (27.9 cm x 34.9 cm); 15.5" H (39.4 cm) on included custom stand.

The column is surrounded by an incised border, separating it in time and space from the male figure and the putti, and suggesting it may serve as a division between narrative scenes of the relief. A petite mason's mark can be found in the lower left corner of the panel.

The Gandharan Empire made itself wealthy in part by controlling lucrative trade along the mountain passes between China in the East and the Near East and Mediterranean in the West; a great deal of this wealth went into local patronage of artisans and art. In the first century CE, Buddhism became fashionable amongst Gandharan elites, and the art produced at this time included some of the most striking Buddhist images from the past. Their artistic tradition also reflects the conquest of Alexander the Great and the introduction of Western aesthetics, blended into a uniquely Gandharan tradition.

Provenance: ex-private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Estate of Roslyn Willett, New York City, New York, USA, acquired from Michael Cohen Asian Art, New York City, New York, USA on January 1, 1993

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#162172
Condition Report: Mason mark in lower left corner of panel. Fragment of a larger piece. Expected nicks/chips and abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice earthen deposits throughout.