Important Notice

GANDHARA, CIRCA 2ND CENTURY
Grey Schist
18 in (45.7 cm) high

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
The Estate of Khorshed Karanjavala

This rare and beautifully carved Gandhara schist blends elements of the Greek and Indic styles. Maitreya, a celestial Boddisattva dating to before the Buddha, is shown seated with folded legs in the padmasana pose. His hands assume the dharmachakra mudra, in a gesture which indicates the imparting of knowledge. His hair is tied in a figure 8 knot which is borrowed from Hindu iconography depicting Brahma. Draped in a pleated sanghati with ornaments around his neck, he holds the attention of the celestial beings and disciples who surround him. The lower register shows elephants and demi-gods modelled on Greek atlantids, who held up the world with their strength. Together, they hold the weight of the profundity of knowledge being expounded by the Enlightened One. The register at the top shows a smaller seated Buddha flanked by two attendants.

GANDHARA, CIRCA 2ND CENTURY
Grey Schist
18 in (45.7 cm) high

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
The Estate of Khorshed Karanjavala

This rare and beautifully carved Gandhara schist blends elements of the Greek and Indic styles. Maitreya, a celestial Boddisattva dating to before the Buddha, is shown seated with folded legs in the padmasana pose. His hands assume the dharmachakra mudra, in a gesture which indicates the imparting of knowledge. His hair is tied in a figure 8 knot which is borrowed from Hindu iconography depicting Brahma. Draped in a pleated sanghati with ornaments around his neck, he holds the attention of the celestial beings and disciples who surround him. The lower register shows elephants and demi-gods modelled on Greek atlantids, who held up the world with their strength. Together, they hold the weight of the profundity of knowledge being expounded by the Enlightened One. The register at the top shows a smaller seated Buddha flanked by two attendants.