Page 102 - Bonhams Indian and Himalayan Art March 2016 New York

64 With the acute transition from his shoulders to arms, his body forms
A SCHIST FIGURE OF BUDDHA a robust triangle, further emphasized by the abstracted linear spread
Ancient region of Gandhara, 3rd/4th century of his robe’s hem over the plinth. The plinth depicts a tripartite debate,
Seated on kusha grass, Buddha meditates, his expression confident likely between bodhisattvas and a royal figure, with approaching
and approachable. monastic and laypersons listening on either side. It also anchors the
19 in. (48.2 cm) high diagonal registers. As opposed to rounded muscles and billowing
$60,000 - 80,000 robes, the sculptor has imbued a sense of strength and fortitude
through rigid geometry and a frontal display. For a closely related
健陀羅 三／四世紀 片巖佛像 example in the British Museum see Zwalf, Gandharan Sculpture, Vol.
II, especially the treatment of the robes see p. 26, no. 31.
In keeping with the Gandharan style’s evolution towards abstraction
as the 4th century approached, this figure exhibits the sculptor’s Provenance
strong preference for precision and geometry. His wavy locks are Private German Collection, acquired 1960’s
carved impeccably into neat lines that spread out like sunrays from Sotheby’s, New York, 24 March 2010, lot 4
his enlightened mind. They are neatly tied into a plush bun by a single Private American Collection
twisted chord with circular medallion.

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