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

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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