Page 173 - Chinese Art Paris Auction Christie's December 2017

This standing Buddha fgure exemplifes the
mastery of the artist at a time when Buddhist
stone sculpture in the region was at its most
refned. The corporal solidity of this fgure gives
him the prominence of a singular, independent
fgure. He has a peaceful expression and his wavy
hair is pulled back from his oval face. The monastic
garments are draped across both shoulders,
hanging naturalistically in folds that reveal the
contours of the body. The faithful rendering of the
deeply carved folds of the garment, the face, and
the ripples of the hair are particularly exquisite and
testify to the skill of the sculptor.
The growing popularity of Mahayana Buddhism
in religious practice and artistic patronage in the
Gandharan region around the 2nd century AD
inspired the creation of large, detached sculpted
images set alongside narrative friezes.

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